State of the art and future perspectives for the use of insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF-1R) targeted treatment strategies in solid tumors.

Insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF-1R) with its ligands and intracellular pathway is involved in cell growth and survival control. Many studies have shown how IGF-1R is over-expressed in various tumor cell lines and histological samples. In recent years many trials have been conducted investigating IGF-1R as a possible cancer therapy, with major efforts focusing on the use of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules directed against the IGF-1R-driven pathway. Several drugs are currently under intense investigation and in different experimental phases. Available data suggest that this class of drugs is well tolerated with mild to moderate side effects, when used alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents. The efficacy profile seems to be promising. However, further studies are needed to define the exact role of IGF-1R inhibitors in clinical practice.