The insulin-like growth factor system and its receptors: A potential novel anticancer target

Review

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Authors: Colin R. Lindsay, T R Jeffry Evans

Published Date September 2008 Volume 2008:2(4) Pages 855 - 864

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S3841

Colin R. Lindsay¹, T R Jeffry Evans^1,2

¹Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, United Kingdom; ²University of Glasgow, CR-UK Beatson Laboratories, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract: The current generation of novel anticancer therapies that are in preclinical and clinical development are based on exploiting our increasing understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of cancer development and progression. Accelerated rates of cell division and proliferation have been postulated to predispose to the development of malignant disease. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling system has an important physiological role in regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis. This function has led to considerable interest in its relevance to neoplasia over the last decade. In this review, we give an overview of the IGF system physiology, discuss the epidemiological significance of IGF signaling and neoplasia, and review the preclinical and clinical studies in targeting IGF receptors as cancer therapies.

Keywords: insulin, growth factor, IGF-1, clinical trials