Definition: An insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is a polypeptide that has a molecular structure similar to insulin. There are two types of IGF: IGF-1 is made and secreted primarily in your liver, and helps regulate the cycle of cell growth, division and death. IGF-1 is critical to fetal development and growth during childhood. IGF-2 is secreted by your brain, kidneys, pancreas, and muscles, and is most active in a baby's growth in the womb.
IGFs are interesting because the receptor for these hormones are expressed on many types of cancer cells and new biologic therapies targeting these receptors are in advanced clinical trial development.
Also Known As: insulinlike growth factor, IGF 1, IGF 2
Alternate Spellings: insulin-like growth factor
Examples:
Premenopausal breast cancer and prostate cancer may be related to high levels of IGF-1, which may stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Diabetes is also affected by insulin-like growth factor. If you consume a large serving of potatoes, or other carbohydrates, your blood sugar levels rise, and your body secretes insulin and insulin like growth factor (IGF).
