Insulin-like growth factor-I and breast cancer therapy

Clin Cancer Res. 2005 Jan 15;11(2 Pt 2):944s-50s.

Abstract

Targeting hormonal and growth factor signaling pathways has proven to be useful in the treatment of breast cancer. In vitro, animal, and epidemiologic evidence provide a rationale for the relevance of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system to breast cancer biology. The IGF system has been implicated in promoting mitogenic, metastatic, and antiapoptotic phenotypes in breast cancer. As a consequence of the ability of IGF to promote tumorigenesis, pharmacologic interventions targeting the IGF system are being devised. Such strategies include decreasing ligand production, ligand binding, or receptor activation. In this article, directed anti-IGF strategies and the possible clinical impact of using such therapies for treating breast cancer are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / therapeutic use*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I