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The emerging role of the insulin-like growth factor pathway as a therapeutic target in cancer

Paula D Ryan1, Paul E Goss

  • 1Massachusetts General Hospital, LRH 308, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. pdryan@partners.org

The Oncologist
|February 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the insulin-like growth factor pathway shows promise for cancer treatment. Early clinical trials suggest investigational therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, are safe and effective.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway is implicated in numerous human cancers.
  • Experimental and epidemiological data support the role of IGF signaling in cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the rationale for targeting the IGF system in cancer therapy.
  • To summarize current clinical trial data for IGF-targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and epidemiological data supporting IGF pathway targeting.
  • Summary and analysis of emerging clinical trial data (Phase I) for IGF-targeted agents.

Main Results:

  • Investigational therapies targeting the IGF pathway are under development.
  • Early Phase I clinical trial data indicate favorable safety profiles for monoclonal antibodies targeting the IGF-I receptor.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the IGF signaling pathway represents a promising strategy in oncology.
  • Further clinical investigation of IGF-targeted therapies is warranted based on encouraging safety data.

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