The IGF hormonal network in endometrial cancer: Functions, regulation, and targeting approaches

Ilan Bruchim, Rive Sarfstein, Haim Werner*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

Epidemiological as well as clinical and experimental data identified the insulin-like growth factors (IGF1, IGF2) as important players in gynecological cancers in general, and endometrial tumors in particular. The IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), which mediates the proliferative and anti-apoptotic activities of both ligands, emerged in recent years as a promising therapeutic target in oncology. However, most clinical trials conducted so far led to mixed results, emphasizing the need to identify biomarkers that can predict responsiveness to anti-IGF1R-targeted therapies. This article will review recent data regarding the role and expression of IGF system components in endometrial cancer. In addition, we will review data on the interplay between the IGF signaling pathway and tumor suppressors p53 and breast cancer susceptibility gene-1 (BRCA1). Anti-oncogenes p53 and BRCA1 play a key role in the etiology of gynecological cancers and, therefore, their interaction with IGF1R is of high relevance in translational terms. A better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the regulation of the IGF system will improve our ability to develop effective treatment modalities for endometrial tumors.

Original languageEnglish
Article number76
JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology
Volume5
Issue numberMAY
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Funding

FundersFunder number
Israel Cancer Research Fund

    Keywords

    • BRCA1
    • Biomarkers
    • Endometrial cancer
    • IGF1
    • IGF1 receptor
    • Insulin-like growth factors
    • P53
    • Uterine serous carcinoma

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