title: [Growth hormone and carcinogenesis: the point on the question].
abstract: Over the past 20 years, the use of recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) has become more frequent and the indications for this therapy extended to more common conditions than primary pituitary dysfunction. GH, a very strong anabolic agent, alters body growth and composition, and metabolic pathways. RhGH therapy seems to be beneficial in certain types of pathologies and surgical procedures, by preventing the deleterious effects due to catabolism and by increasing immune function, healing process and muscular strength. Several types of tumors have been studied to investigate the rhGH-related oncological risks. This article aims at reviewing the clinical studies focused on the possible association between rhGH and cancer.
authors.affiliation: Division de Nutrition, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gottraux
authors.forename: Ariane
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paoloni-Giacobino
authors.forename: Comasia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Raguso
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Genton
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Majno
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pichard
mesh_terms: D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D013006:Growth Hormone