insulin-like growth factor
(IN-suh-lin-like grothe FAK-ter)
A protein made
by the body that stimulates the growth of many types of
cells. Insulin-like growth factor is similar to
insulin (a hormone made in the pancreas). There are two
forms of insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 and
IGF-2. Higher than normal levels of IGF-1 may increase the
risk of several types of cancer.
Insulin-like growth factor is a type of growth
factor and a type of cytokine. Also called IGF and somatomedin.