Abstract
Knowledge regarding the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is increasing rapidly (Jones and Clemmons 1995; Clemmons 1997). Recent research has revealed considerable complexity of the IGF system of mitogens at both the cellular and whole-organism levels. There is evidence to suggest that IGF physiology may be relevant to the pathophysiology of neoplasia in general, and of breast cancer in particular. This review will emphasize recent data of potential interest to clinicians, emphasizing recent results that suggest that IGF-I physiology may be related to risk of breast cancer, and also the rationale for adjuvant breast cancer therapies that target IGF-I.