Inhibition of colon cancer cell growth by dietary components: role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system.

Large bowel cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths from cancer in Western countries, and the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing with the steady increase in life expectancy. Modification of diet and lifestyle provide measures of reducing the risk of developing colon cancer. Evidence suggests that the components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system may be appropriate targets for cancer prevention and therapy. A positive correlation was found between dietary and lifestyle, plasma IGF-I, and colon cancer incidence rates. Diet, nutrition, and other lifestyle features affect the expression and production of IGF-1 and other members of the IGF family. The purpose of this review is to examine current evidence obtained from our recent studies and others that investigated the role of dietary components in the regulation of the IGF system and colon cancer cell growth.