The possible role of insulin like growth factor 1 in osteosarcoma.
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common malignant tumor of bone, of which clear understanding of molecular pathologic process is not yet possible. Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF 1) is a hormone that plays vital role in development and function of many tissues. Unfortunately, IGF 1 and its receptor (IGF 1R)'s over expression have been implicated in carcinogenesis, and indicated to constitute a risk factor for the development of multiple human cancers, including OS. Increased levels of IGF 1 and IGF 1R have been reported in OS, leading to cancer progression through transformation, proliferation, pro metastasis, and decreased susceptibility to apoptosis. Over expression of IGF 1/IGF 1R signaling also contributes to tumor cell survival, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. IGF 1 has been included as an OS marker recently, and targeting IGF 1 is an interesting and promising approach in OS therapeutics. However more investigations with clinical trials are necessary to validate the use of drugs against IGF 1 that may provide a basis for new therapeutic approaches to treat this devastating disease. This review article focused on the role of IGF 1/IGF 1R in OS progression and therapeutic aspects of OS targeting IGF 1.
Current problems in cancer