Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2006 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition).
Vol 24, No 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2006: 4586
© 2006 American Society of Clinical Oncology

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Abstract

Relationship between insulin-like growth factor-1 and human testicular cancer

Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Theagenion Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

4586

Background: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) has an established role in various types of cancer inducing cellular proliferation, possessing anti-apoptotic properties, and stimulating angiogenesis. We have recently published the concept that IGF-1 system might also be implicated in the pathogenesis of testicular germ cell tumors. The present study aims to elucidate our initial concept by measuring IGF-1, IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, and their molar ratio in patients with testicular cancer. Methods: We measured serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 using solid phase Elisa in 48 patients (mean age 31,6±8,07 years) with testicular cancer who underwent chemotherapy, and in 10 healthy male, age-matched (mean age 31.2 ± 2.54), controls. Three serum samples were obtained from patients with testicular cancer: prior to chemotherapy (baseline), before cycle 3, and 9–14 months after completion of chemotherapy. One serum sample was obtained from controls. Results: Baseline mean serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and molar ratio IGF-1:IGFBP-3 were 254.3 ± 242 ng/ml, 3541 ± 1740 ng/ml, and 0.293 ± 0.268 in patients, and 145.8 ± 110 ng/ml, 5440 ± 3504 ng/ml, and 0.108 ± 0.168 in controls (p = 0.048, p = 0.016, and p = 0.047, respectively). Mean IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and IGF-1:IGFBP-3 before cycle 3 were 242.4 ± 177.6 ng/ml, 3606 ± 2491 ng/ml, and 0.28 ± 0.234 (p = NS in all 3 parameters). Not all 48 patients have as yet completed chemotherapy; however, preliminary results from 10 patients show a trend for normalization in mean values of the third sample (IGF-1: 157.5 ± 129.4 ng/ml, IGFBP-3: 4500 ± 2351 ng/ml, and IGF-1:IGFBP-3: 0.141 ± 0.128), comparable to those of healthy controls. A trend for higher baseline IGF-1 values was noticed in patients with poor prognosis (n = 6, IGF-1: 367.5 ± 228.7 ng/ml) compared to those with good prognosis (n = 28, IGF-1: 211.1 ± 207.8 ng/ml). Conclusions: These results confirm our initial concept that IGF-1 system may play a significant role in testicular cancer. The trend showing that chemotherapy decreases IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and their ratio to normal, may provide evidence that these parameters can be useful surrogate markers for diagnosis and surveillance of testicular tumor growth.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Abstract presentation from the 2006 ASCO Annual Meeting