Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor as a Prognostic Factor for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Breast cancer is the “malignant proliferation of epithelial cell lining the ducts or lobules of the breast” (1). Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Insulin-like growth factors are potent mitogens that have a role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Overexpression of IGF-1R is thought to cause an increased risk in tumor metastasis and tumorigenesis. The aim of this project is to conduct a systematic review of IGF-1R expression in breast cancer and its relationship to patient survival. Our hypothesis is that increased insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor expression leads to poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.