Investigational IGF1R inhibitors in early stage clinical trials for cancer therapy.

Abstract

Introduction: The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are a family of secreted peptide hormones with important roles in different cellular and organism functions. The biological activities of the IGFs are mediated by the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), a cell surface, tyrosine kinase-containing heterotetramer that is linked to numerous cytoplasmic signaling cascades. The IGF1R displays potent antiapoptotic, pro-survival capacities and plays a key role in malignant transformation. Research has identified the IGF1R as a candidate therapeutic target in cancer.Areas covered: We offer a synopsis of ongoing efforts to target the IGF axis for therapeutic purposes. Our review includes a digest of early experimental work that led to the identification of IGF1R as a candidate therapeutic target in oncology.Expert opinion: Targeting of the IGF axis has yielded disappointing results in phase III trials, but it is important to learn from this to improve future trials in a rational manner. The potential of anti-IGF1R antibodies and small molecular weight inhibitors, alone or in combination with chemotherapy or other biological agents, should be investigated further in randomized studies. Moreover, the implementation of predictive biomarkers for patient selection will improve the outcome of future trials. Emerging personalized medicine could have a major impact on IGF1R targeting.

• Authors: Haim Werner, Rive Sarfstein, Ilan Bruchim
• Journal: Expert opinion on investigational drugs (Expert Opin Investig Drugs) Vol. 28 Issue 12 Pg. 1101-1112 (Dec 2019) ISSN: 1744-7658 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 31731883 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Drugs, Investigational
• IGF1R protein, human
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors
• Receptor, IGF Type 1

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology)
• Drug Development
• Drugs, Investigational (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Molecular Targeted Therapy
• Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Patient Selection
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors (pharmacology)
• Receptor, IGF Type 1 (antagonists & inhibitors, metabolism)