Minireview: IGF, Insulin, and Cancer
Emily J Gallagher1, Derek LeRoith
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Box 1055, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Endocrinology
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) signaling influence cancer growth. Targeting these pathways offers potential new cancer therapies, especially for individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes are linked to increased cancer mortality, potentially due to hyperinsulinemia and elevated Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I).
- Low insulin and IGF levels may offer protection against cancer development.
- Historically, research focused on IGF-I's role in tumorigenesis, leading to therapies targeting the IGF-I receptor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent in vitro, animal, and clinical studies on the influence of IGF and insulin on cancer.
- To elucidate the interaction between insulin and IGF signaling in cancer cells.
- To explore novel targeted therapies and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro studies.
- Analysis of animal models.
- Examination of clinical data.
Main Results:
- Insulin plays a significant and independent role in tumorigenesis.
- Targeting the insulin receptor is a potential therapeutic strategy, possibly complementing IGF-I receptor targeting.
- Studies have clarified the interplay between insulin and IGF signaling in cancer.
Conclusions:
- Both IGF and insulin signaling are critical in cancer development.
- Targeting insulin signaling represents a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
- Further research into these pathways can lead to innovative cancer therapies.
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