The question of a link between insulin-like growth factor physiology and neoplasia.

The results of both population and laboratory studies suggest that the physiology of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) has important influences on cancer biology and cancer risk. This review highlights recent laboratory and epidemiological results in this rapidly evolving area of investigation. There is no direct evidence to suggest that growth hormone (GH) treatment of GH-deficient patients increases their risk of neoplasia, but recent research reinforces the need for careful surveillance. The monitoring of serum IGF-I levels may be advisable to help avoid inadvertent over-treatment, particularly in individuals undergoing long-term GH replacement therapy.