Involvement of neurotensin in cancer growth: evidence, mechanisms and development of diagnostic tools.
Focusing on the literature of the past 15 years, we evaluate the evidence that neurotensin and neurotensin receptors participate in cancer growth and we describe possible mechanisms. In addition, we review the progress achieved in the use of neurotensin analogs to image tumors in animals and humans. These exciting advances encourage us to pursue further research and stimulate us to consider novel ideas regarding the multiple inputs to cancer growth that neurotensin might influence.
Carraway
Robert E
RE
Department of Physiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. Robert.Carraway@umassmed.edu
Plona
Ann M
AM
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D018028:Receptors, Neurotensin / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D006133:Growth Substances; D018028:Receptors, Neurotensin; D009496:Neurotensin