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Targeting insulin and insulin-like growth factor signalling in oncology

Michael Pollak1

  • 1Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. michael.pollak@mcgill.ca

Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|August 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor family shows promise for cancer treatment. Clinical trials indicate safety and potential efficacy, especially in combination therapies for lung cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor family plays a critical role in cellular and organismal physiology.
  • Over two decades of research suggest the potential of targeting these receptors for cancer treatment.
  • Growing evidence links IGF receptor family signaling to the molecular pathophysiology of neoplasia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the development and clinical evaluation of pharmacologic strategies targeting the IGF receptor family in cancer.
  • To summarize the safety and efficacy data from preclinical and clinical studies of IGF receptor-targeting agents.
  • To highlight the rationale for ongoing and future clinical trials, particularly combination therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies and clinical trial data for IGF receptor-targeting agents.
  • Analysis of small molecule receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-receptor antibodies.
  • Evaluation of safety, single-agent activity, and combination therapy outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Over a dozen drug candidates have undergone preclinical evaluation.
  • Several agents are currently in clinical trials, demonstrating safety for anti-IGF-I receptor antibodies.
  • Early data suggest improved chemotherapy response rates for lung cancer when combined with an anti-IGF-I receptor antibody.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the IGF-I receptor is a validated strategy in oncology drug development.
  • Expanded clinical trials are underway to assess various IGF-I receptor targeting agents.
  • Rational combinations of IGF-I receptor targeting agents with existing drugs are a key focus for future research.

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