Targeting insulin-like growth factor in breast cancer therapeutics.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway holds crucial role in cell growth, differentiation and proliferation. Aberrant regulation of the IGF system has been attributed to the pathogenesis of breast cancer and has been shown to contribute to various stages of breast carcinogenesis. Therefore, targeting the IGF-related axis represents a promising strategy, mainly aiming to bypass the resistance of currently employed treatment options in breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, major limitations have aroused despite the early stage of clinical development of various IGF-system modulators. The present review highlights the current status and considers the future perspectives of IGF-system targeting in breast cancer therapeutics.