Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
10:13
Author Spotlight: An Efficient Methodology to Confidently Differentiate and Characterize Fentanyl Analogs
Published on: November 8, 2024
2.9K
Long-acting insulin analogs and cancer
L Sciacca1, V Vella2, L Frittitta3
1Endocrinology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, via Palermo 636, 95122 Catania, Italy.
Summary
The cancer risk associated with long-acting insulin analogs, like glargine, remains uncertain. Current evidence is insufficient to confirm or exclude this risk, necessitating personalized treatment decisions for diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hyperinsulinemia is a known cancer risk factor, particularly in diabetic patients.
- The potential for long-acting insulin analogs to exacerbate this risk is a subject of ongoing debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological basis for potential adverse effects of long-acting insulin analogs on cancer cells.
- To evaluate in vitro and in vivo evidence regarding the oncogenic potential of these analogs.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro studies examining insulin analog mitogenic potency on cancer cells.
- Analysis of in vivo evidence from clinical studies, including retrospective and prospective trials.
- Assessment of molecular mechanisms involving insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 receptor pathways.
Main Results:
- In vitro studies suggest some long-acting analogs, notably insulin glargine, may possess greater mitogenic potency than native insulin.
- Insulin glargine shows higher affinity for the IGF-1 receptor, a key growth mediator.
- Clinical studies present conflicting results, with significant limitations in study design and data evaluation.
Conclusions:
- The carcinogenic risk of long-acting insulin analogs, including glargine, cannot be definitively confirmed or excluded.
- Clinicians should consider individual metabolic and non-metabolic risk factors for personalized treatment decisions.
Related Concept Videos
02:11Forces Acting on Chromosomes
4.0K
During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis.
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
4.0K
01:05Insulin Secretory Vesicles
7.0K
Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
7.0K
01:28Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
3.5K
Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but...
3.5K
01:27Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
794
Insulin preparations are categorized by their duration of action into short-acting and long-acting types. Two strategies are used to modify insulin's absorption and pharmacokinetic profile: slowing the absorption post-subcutaneous injection, or altering human insulin's amino acid sequence or protein structure. These changes retain the insulin's ability to bind to the insulin receptor, but alter its behavior in solution or after injection.
Short-acting insulins are divided into...
Short-acting insulins are divided into...
794
01:31Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
1.9K
Direct-acting cholinergic agonists, such as synthetic choline esters and naturally occurring alkaloids, exert their effects by enhancing the actions of acetylcholine and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Synthetic choline esters share structural similarities with acetylcholine. For example, they have a positively charged quaternary ammonium or onium group, contributing to their hydrophilic characteristics. As a result, they are poorly absorbed in the body through oral...
1.9K
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
2.1K
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
2.1K