A review of the role of insulin-like growth factor 2 in malignancy and its potential as a modifier of radiation sensitivity.

The insulin-like growth factor system is known to be associated with malignancy and represents a potential therapeutic target. This review discusses the evidence associating ligand and signalling receptor expression with malignancy and radioresistance, which may be relevant to tumour predisposition, growth and resistance to treatment. In particular, evidence relating to the less evaluated ligand insulin-like growth factor 2 is considered.