Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Network and Prostate Pathologies

The Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) network in prostate tissue represents a key element in normal and tumour growth. It can provide us with new markers for prognosis or diagnosis and targets for treatment of prostate diseases. This short review introduces the IGF network in general and in the prostate gland, summarises the modifications observed in tumours and discusses the importance of a new family of low affinity IGF-binding proteins. Further studies on the IGF network will enrich our understanding of prostate tumourigenesis and its control and therefore provide new therapeutics to master the IGF network