Is there a role for IGF-1 in the development of second primary cancers?

Cancer Med. 2016 Nov;5(11):3353-3367. doi: 10.1002/cam4.871. Epub 2016 Oct 13.

Abstract

Cancer survival rates are increasing, and as a result, more cancer survivors are exposed to the risk of developing a second primary cancer (SPC). It has been hypothesized that one of the underlying mechanisms for this risk could be mediated by variations in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This review summarizes the current epidemiological evidence to identify whether IGF-1 plays a role in the development of SPCs. IGF-1 is known to promote cancer development by inhibiting apoptosis and stimulating cell proliferation. Epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between circulating IGF-1 levels and various primary cancers, such as breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. The role of IGF-1 in increasing SPC risk has been explored less. Nonetheless, several experimental studies have observed a deregulation of the IGF-1 pathway, which may explain the association between IGF-1 and SPCs. Thus, measuring serum IGF-1 may serve as a useful marker in assessing the risk of SPCs, and therefore, more translational experimental and epidemiological studies are needed to further disentangle the role of IGF-1 in the development of specific SPCs.

Keywords: Breast cancer; IGF-1; colorectal cancer; lung cancer; prostate cancer; second primary cancer.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / metabolism*
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / metabolism
  • Risk

Substances

  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1