Insulin signaling network in cancer

The primary function of insulin is viewed as a hormone that controls blood glucose level. However, there is growing evidence that aberrant insulin level and insulin-mediated signaling can lead to cancer development and progression. The insulin-cancer relationship has stemmed from various observational and epidemiological studies, which linked higher incidence of cancer with central obesity, type II diabetes and other conditions associated with increased levels of circulating insulin, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemic states. Increased risk of developing a range of cancers is also seen with a certain treatment options used to lower blood glucose level in diabetic patients. While metformin monotherapy has the lowest risk of developing cancer, in comparison, treatment with insulin or insulin secretagogues shows more likelihood to develop solid cancers. Cellular signaling initiated by insulin provides a clue regarding these diverse cellular outcomes. This review discusses how the insulin enacts such diverse physiological effects and the insulin-cancer relationship, with focus on the role of insulin signaling in cancer.