Will targeting insulin growth factor help us or hurt us?: An oncologist's perspective

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
08:19

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo

Published on: July 20, 2019

Mitchell Kamrava1, David Gius, Giovanna Casagrande

  • 1Molecular Radiation Oncology Section, Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.

Ageing Research Reviews
|November 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Altering the insulin/insulin growth factor (IGF) pathway impacts aging and cancer. Balancing IGF pathway targets is crucial to inhibit cancer metastasis while avoiding cardiovascular risks.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Gerontology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The insulin/insulin growth factor (IGF) pathway significantly influences aging and longevity.
  • Modulating this pathway has complex physiological effects.
  • Understanding these effects is key for therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the insulin/IGF pathway in aging and longevity.
  • To examine the pathway's involvement in cancer development and metastasis.
  • To discuss considerations for targeting the insulin/IGF pathway in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on the insulin/IGF pathway.
  • Analysis of the pathway's dual role in aging and cancer.
  • Discussion of clinical implications for cancer therapy.

Main Results:

  • Reduced insulin/IGF signaling may decrease cancer incidence and metastasis.
  • Lowered insulin/IGF levels might increase cardiovascular disease risk and mortality.
  • Targeting the insulin/IGF pathway requires balancing anti-cancer effects with potential side effects.

Conclusions:

  • The insulin/IGF pathway presents a complex target for longevity and cancer treatment.
  • Therapeutic strategies must carefully weigh benefits against risks, particularly cardiovascular health.
  • Future research should focus on precise targeting to optimize outcomes in the oncology clinic.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...