CIRCULATING INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I AND PROSTATE CANCER RISK

摘要

Methods of predicting a propensity to develop prostate cancer are presented. The method consists of measuring the IGF status of an individual. Individuals with high IGF status, as compared with normal reference range values, are at increased risk for developing prostate cancer. More particularly, the IGF status may be determined by measuring IGF-I levels and/or IGFBP-3 levels. High IGF and low IGFBP levels are indicative of a high IGF status. A method of determining the prognosis of existing prostate cancers or of monitoring disease progression involves determining the IGF/PSA status of an individual. Individuals with a high IGF/PSA status (both high IGF status and high PSA levels) tend to develop severe prostate cancer and have a poorer overall prognosis.