Study Further Suggests Growth Hormone Tied to Colorectal Cancer

A gene variation that may result in lower levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I in some individuals may also be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, according to University of Hawaii researchers.

The researchers reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute that their discovery of the linkages adds weight to the idea that growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are somehow involved in causing colorectal cancer.

The researchers reported that they analyzed data from a study of 535 patients with colorectal cancer and 650 members of a control group.

"The human T1663A GH1 gene polymorphism, which may confer lower levels of GH and IGF-I, appears to be associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer," the researchers concluded.

If borne out by further studies, this finding might lead to efforts to reduce the activity of growth hormones in persons at high risk of colorectal cancer.

Other sources: Journal of the National Cancer Institute