Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynaecological malignancy associated with metabolic dysfunctions such as obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance, as well as hormonal imbalances, particularly involving oestrogen and progesterone. These factors disrupt normal cellular metabolism, heightening the risk of developing endometrioid EC (EEC), the most prevalent subtype of EC. The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) pathway, a key regulator of growth, metabolism, and organ function, is implicated in EC progression. Recent research highlights the distinct roles of IGF1 isoforms, including IGF1-Ea, IGF1-Eb, and IGF1-Ec, in promoting tumour growth, metastasis, and hormone signalling interactions, particularly with oestrogen. This review examines the function and clinical significance of IGF-1 isoforms, emphasising their mechanisms in gynaecological physiology and their contributions to EC pathogenesis. Evidence from other cancers further underscores the relevance of IGF1 isoforms in driving tumour behaviours, offering valuable insights into their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Understanding these mechanisms provides opportunities for novel approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of EC, improving patient outcomes and advancing the broader field of hormone-driven cancers.
子宫内膜癌（EC）是一种常见的妇科恶性肿瘤，与肥胖、糖尿病和胰岛素抵抗等代谢功能障碍以及激素失衡（特别是雌激素和孕激素相关）密切相关。这些因素会破坏正常的细胞代谢，增加罹患子宫内膜样腺癌（EEC）的风险，而EEC是EC最常见的亚型。胰岛素样生长因子-1（IGF1）通路作为生长、代谢和器官功能的关键调节因子，在EC进展中发挥重要作用。最新研究揭示了IGF1不同亚型（包括IGF1-Ea、IGF1-Eb和IGF1-Ec）在促进肿瘤生长、转移及激素信号交互（特别是与雌激素的相互作用）中的独特功能。本综述探讨了IGF-1亚型的功能与临床意义，重点阐述其在妇科生理中的作用机制及其对EC发病机制的贡献。来自其他癌症的证据进一步证实了IGF1亚型在驱动肿瘤行为中的相关性，为将其作为生物标志物和治疗靶点提供了重要见解。理解这些机制为EC的预防、诊断和治疗开辟了新途径，有助于改善患者预后并推动激素驱动型癌症研究领域的整体发展。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家