This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Role of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 axis and visceral adiposity in oesophageal adenocarcinoma. BJS 2012; 99: 387-396.
Published: 12th January 2012
Authors: C. L. Donohoe, S. L. Doyle, S. McGarrigle, M. C. Cathcart, E. Daly, A. O'Grady et al.
Background
Epidemiological studies have linked obesity with many cancers. The insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) 1 axis may be an important mediator in obesity‐associated cancer. This study examined the relationship between IGF‐1 and its receptor (IGF‐1R) in oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a cancer strongly linked to obesity.
Method
Patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma considered suitable for attempted curative treatment were studied. Visceral adiposity was defined by waist circumference or visceral fat area. Free and total IGF‐1 in serum were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Quantitative polymerase chain resection was used to determine mRNA expression of IGF‐1 and IGF‐1R in resected tumour samples. IGF‐1R expression in tissue microarrays (TMAs) was quantified by immunohistochemistry.
Results
A total of 220 patients were studied. Total and free IGF‐1 levels were significantly increased in the serum of viscerally obese patients. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant association between obesity status and both IGF‐1R (P = 0·021) and IGF‐1 (P = 0·031) in tumours. TMA analysis demonstrated that IGF‐1R expression in resected tumours was significantly higher in viscerally obese patients than in those of normal weight (P = 0·023). Disease‐specific survival was longer in patients with negative IGF‐1R expression than in those with IGF‐1R‐positive tumours (median 60·0 versus 23·4 months; P = 0·027).
Conclusion
This study highlighted the association of the IGF axis with visceral obesity, and a potential impact on the biology of oesophageal adenocarcinoma through its receptor. Targeting the IGF axis may have a rationale in future studies. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Full text