E-Newsletter No. 61

A recent review from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology (Oxf) draws a pragmatic conclusion that, even if growth hormone [GH] treatment as a replacement therapy carries a small, increased cancer risk compared with untreated patients with GH deficiency, it is probable that such a risk is only equivalent to the general population. However, this does not carry the same message for the treatment of children or adults with supraphysiological GH doses in circumstances not associated with GH deficiency. This is because certain recognized in vitro effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 [proliferative and anti-apoptotic actions] raise concerns in certain malignancy risk situations over a prolonged period of time.

In other words, this is a word of warning to those who use GH for performance enhancement in athletics, or for body building effects who are not GH deficient. It should also be a concern for naïve individuals who are using GH for its “so-called anti-aging effects” without the proper guidance and supervision of a qualified neuroendocrinologist. GH has already been associated with an increased risk for colon polyps. Insulin-like growth factor-1 in higher amounts has been found in a number of cancer types, and is a known contributor of insulin resistance, diabetes, and inflammation to blood vessel linings, leading eventually to atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, and hypertension.

Jenkins PJ,Mukherjee A, Shalet SM.
St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London , UK .
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2006;64:115-21.

Growth Hormone & IGF Update 2004-2006:
Click Here to View: GrowthHormone -- Adult Deficiency
Click Here to View: Effects of Growth Hormone on Visceral Fat and Obesity
Click Here to View: Current Concepts of Estrogen Regulated Secretion
on Menopausal Women


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