Advancement In The Research Of Insulin-like Growth Factor Axis In Lung Cancer

The IGF axis is comprised of two ligands (IGF-I and IGF-II), two cell-surface receptors (IGF-IR, IGF-IIR), as well as a family of 6 high affinity IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP1-6). Insulin-like growth factors, regulated by their receptors and binding proteins, play a pivotal role in human cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Increasing evidences have revealed that IGF system is involved in the genesis and progress of various malignancies including lung cancer. Recent studies in regard to IGF axis expression in lung cancer cell lines, tissue samples and blood circulation have shown that the IGF axis may take part in the transformation and progression of lung cancer. Several researches have shown that a number of drugs targeting the IGF-IR are being investigated in clinical trials and suggested a potential therapeutic efficacy. This article now review the updates and progress in this particular field.