IGF-1 and IGF-2 Serum Concentrations in Patients with Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions: Free IGF-2 is Correlated with Breast Cancer Size

Purpose: Insulin-like growth factors are potent mitogens for breast cancer cells in vitro and elevated IGF-1 serum levels are a risk factor for breast malignancies. This study evaluated IGF-1 and IGF-2 serum levels in healthy women and in patients with benign and malignant breast lesions, and correlated them with tumor size. Patients and Methods: Serum levels of the total and unbound fractions of IGF-1 and -2 were analyzed in 65 patients with benign and malignant breast lesions, and in 38 women without breast disease. ELISAs were used to detect serum IGF levels, with (total IGF) or without (free IGF) prior acid-…