[Targeting insulin-like growth factors in the treatment of cancer]. 
The insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) pathway plays a major role in cancer growth, tumor cell survival and resistance to therapy.  Preclinical evidence that targeting the IGF-IR is effective in cancer treatment has been accumulating for almost 2 decades.  Early clinical trials revealed an acceptable safety profile together with pharmacodynamic evidence that the receptor can be targeted successfully.  It is premature to draw conclusions regarding the therapeutic potential of this class of compounds but well-documented single-agent activity was noted during phase I evaluations, and recent evidence from a phase-II study suggests that co-administration of an anti-IGF-1R antibody with chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) improves objective response rate and progression-free survival.  These early results are a strong indication for continued research on the targeting of IGF-R, particularly in the treatment of NSCLC.  Today, IGF-1R targeting appears a promising approach, more than two dozen compounds have been developed and clinical trials are underway.