Insulin, insulin-like growth factors, insulin resistance, and neoplasia.

An accumulating body of epidemiologic and laboratory evidence suggests that insulin and insulin-like growth factors influence both the risk and the prognosis of cancer. In this brief review, I highlight topics covered in my lecture on research directions in this field, including the view that metformin deserves investigation as a potential adjunct in the treatment or prevention of cancer in persons with hyperinsulinemia.