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Does growth hormone cause cancer?
P J Jenkins1, A Mukherjee, S M Shalet
1Departments of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK. p.j.jenkins@qmul.ac.uk
Clinical Endocrinology
|January 25, 2006
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may influence cancer growth. While some studies suggest a link to increased cancer risk, GH replacement therapy in survivors shows no excess cancer, though longer surveillance is needed.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) and its mediator peptide insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are critical regulators of cellular growth.
- The potential association between GH/IGF-1 signaling and cancer development has garnered significant research interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize available experimental and epidemiological data on the relationship between GH/IGF-1 status and cancer.
- To evaluate the cancer risk associated with GH therapy, particularly in patients with GH deficiency and childhood cancer survivors.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies investigating GH/IGF-1 influence on neoplastic growth.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, including studies on acromegaly patients and GH-deficient individuals.
- Examination of long-term follow-up data from GH replacement therapy in childhood cancer survivors and other GH-treated populations.
Main Results:
- Experimental data suggest GH/IGF-1 influences neoplastic tissue growth.
- Epidemiological studies indicate an increased risk of colorectal cancer in acromegaly and GH-deficient children treated with GH.
- Studies on childhood cancer survivors treated with GH show no increased risk of de novo cancers; longer-term surveillance is recommended due to potential pro-survival effects of GH/IGF-1.
Conclusions:
- GH/IGF-1 status may impact cancer development and progression.
- While some evidence suggests a link to increased cancer risk, GH therapy in specific populations has not shown a clear excess of de novo cancers.
- Longer-term monitoring is essential to fully understand the subtle effects of GH/IGF-1 on carcinogenesis, balancing potential risks against the benefits of treating GH deficiency.