Targeting the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor as a treatment for cancer.
BACKGROUND
The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) plays a critical role in transformation, invasion and apoptosis protection, and is an attractive cancer treatment target.


OBJECTIVE
To review IGF1R antibodies and kinase inhibitors that are in preclinical and clinical development, and to discuss questions that will influence the success of this approach in clinical practice.


METHODS
This review is drawn from published literature, meeting abstracts and online resources.


CONCLUSIONS
IGF1R blockade is generally well tolerated although it can induce hyperglycaemia. Single-agent activity has been documented in Ewing's sarcoma but not thus far in common solid tumours. Key issues include identification of factors that influence sensitivity to IGF1R blockade, and how most effectively to combine IGF1R inhibitors with other treatments.
Yuen
John S P
JS
Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, IGF Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.
Macaulay
Valentine M
VM
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1