INSULIN-RECEPTOR - WHAT ROLE IN BREAST-CANCER

It is commonly believed that the insulin receptor mainly mediates the metabolic effects of insulin, whereas the closely related IGF-I recept or is considered a major factor for the regulation of cell proliferati on. Experimental and epidemiological evidence indicates, however, that insulin and insulin receptors may play an important role in breast ca ncer. This article reviews evidence indicating that (a) insulin recept ors are Over-expressed in human breast cancer, (b) insulin stimulates growth in breast cancer-cells, (c) cells transfected with human insuli n receptor may acquire a ligand-dependent transformed phenotype, and ( d) breast cancer is associated With insulin resistance and hyperinsuli nemia. These findings may open new possibilities in breast cancer prev ention, prognosis assessment, and therapy. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.