IGF signaling as a therapeutic target in pediatric solid tumors of the central and peripheral nervous system

Abstract

Similar to many other growth factor systems, the IGF system consists of more than a single ligand interacting with a single receptor. There are three ligands (IGF-I, IGF-II and insulin) that interact with at least four receptors. In addition, the IGF system also involves six well-characterized binding proteins that regulate IGF action. Type I IGF receptor-mediated signaling plays a fundamental role in cell growth and malignant transformation and is an important mediator of anti-apoptotic signals. This review describes the roles of IGF signaling in childhood tumors of the CNS and PNS, including neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors and craniopharyngioma. Moreover, it describes strategies to disrupt the IGF signaling as a potential cancer therapy.

Keywords::

• brain tumor
• cancer
• child
• IGF-IR
• neuroblastoma
• novel therapies

Financial disclosure

The authors have no relevant financial interests related to this manuscript, including employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.