Serum igf-1 levels as clinical marker in assessing the risk of lung cancer

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) play a pivotal role in cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells, including lung cancer. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible causal role of serum IGF-1 in development and progression of lung cancer. Method: In this study an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify serum IGF-1 level in lung cancer patients. The study comprised 150 patients with histological confirmed lung cancer and 150 age & sex matched control subjects. Data were analysed to assess the association between serum IGF-1 concentration and lung cancer risk. The independent sample t-test was used to compare the means of different variables in the two group. Results: Serum IGF-1 concentration was found significantly elevated in lung cancer group compared to those in control group (p<0.00). A statistically significant positive association was found between IGF-1 levels and risk of lung cancer. Conclusion: Our results show that increased level of IGF-1 in serum may play an important role in the development and disease progression of lung cancer, suggesting that IGF-1 may be associated and potentially contribute in the etiology of lung carcinoma.