Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor is Associated with the Favorable Clinicopathologic Parameters in Small Intestinal Carcinomas

Abstract

Objective: The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has been known to play a critical role in tumor development and progression in many human cancers. However, the role of the IGF system in small intestinal carcinoma (SIC) has not been studied yet. Methods: We evaluated the expression of IGF1 and IGF1 receptor (IFG1R) in a total of 194 cases of SIC. Results: IGF1 expression was associated with well/moderate differentiation, better survival, lower pT, lower stage and no lymph node metastasis. IGF1R was more diffusely and strongly expressed in tumors with lower pT and lower stage. Conclusions: IGF1 and IGF1R expression is associated with favorable clinicopathologic parameters and may involve early carcinogenesis of SICs. Target therapy for the IGF1R signaling pathway may not have a major therapeutic role in treating SIC.