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Insulin‐like growth factor axis targeting in cancer and tumour angiogenesis – the missing link
Author(s) -
van Beijnum Judy R.,
Pieters Wietske,
NowakSliwinska Patrycja,
Griffioen Arjan W.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
biological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.993
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1469-185X
pISSN - 1464-7931
DOI - 10.1111/brv.12306
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , cancer research , growth factor , link (geometry) , insulin like growth factor , insulin , medicine , oncology , computer science , receptor , computer network
Numerous molecular players in the process of tumour angiogenesis have been shown to offer potential for therapeutic targeting. Initially denoted to be involved in malignant transformation and tumour progression, the insulin‐like growth factor ( IGF ) signalling axis has been subject to therapeutic interference, albeit with limited clinical success. More recently, IGFs and their receptors have received attention for their contribution to tumour angiogenesis, which offers novel therapeutic opportunities. Here we review the contribution of this signalling axis to tumour angiogenesis, the mechanisms of resistance to therapy and the interplay with other pro‐angiogenic pathways, to offer insight in the renewed interest in the application of IGF axis targeting agents in anti‐cancer combination therapies.