About this Research Topic
Given the success of the first edition of Cancer Risk in Patients with Acromegaly – is Extensive Screening Needed?, we are pleased to announce the Volume II.
The field of endocrinology has long been intrigued by the relationship between acromegaly, a condition characterized by excess growth hormone (GH), and cancer risk. The link between GH excess and cancer remains a subject of debate, as GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are known to promote cellular proliferation and inhibit apoptosis, potentially increasing cancer risk. In the general population, elevated serum IGF-I levels have been modestly associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, while showing an inverse association with others like lung and liver cancers. In patients with acromegaly, the incidence of benign tumors is notably higher, and some studies suggest an increased prevalence of cancer, although findings are inconsistent. Recent advances in acromegaly treatment, such as personalized therapies and improved medical management, have extended patient life expectancy, making cancer a leading cause of death in this population. Despite these advancements, there remains a lack of consensus on the necessity and extent of cancer screening in acromegaly patients, with some studies advocating for screenings similar to the general population, while others suggest earlier interventions based on findings of malignant or premalignant lesions.
This research topic aims to deepen our understanding of cancer risk in patients with acromegaly and to explore effective screening practices. By addressing the current gaps in knowledge, this collection seeks to answer critical questions about the relationship between acromegaly and cancer, evaluate the effectiveness of existing screening protocols, and propose potential improvements. The goal is to gather evidence that could lead to a consensus on screening guidelines, ultimately improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
To gather further insights into the complex interplay between acromegaly and cancer risk, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The role of GH and IGF-I in cancer development in acromegaly patients
- Comparative studies on cancer prevalence in acromegaly versus the general population
- Evaluation of current cancer screening practices and their effectiveness in acromegaly patients
- The impact of personalized treatment approaches on cancer risk and patient outcomes
- Analysis of independent risk factors, such as age and family history, in cancer development among acromegaly patients
- Recommendations for unitary cancer screening protocols tailored to acromegaly patients
The field of endocrinology has long been intrigued by the relationship between acromegaly, a condition characterized by excess growth hormone (GH), and cancer risk. The link between GH excess and cancer remains a subject of debate, as GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are known to promote cellular proliferation and inhibit apoptosis, potentially increasing cancer risk. In the general population, elevated serum IGF-I levels have been modestly associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, while showing an inverse association with others like lung and liver cancers. In patients with acromegaly, the incidence of benign tumors is notably higher, and some studies suggest an increased prevalence of cancer, although findings are inconsistent. Recent advances in acromegaly treatment, such as personalized therapies and improved medical management, have extended patient life expectancy, making cancer a leading cause of death in this population. Despite these advancements, there remains a lack of consensus on the necessity and extent of cancer screening in acromegaly patients, with some studies advocating for screenings similar to the general population, while others suggest earlier interventions based on findings of malignant or premalignant lesions.
This research topic aims to deepen our understanding of cancer risk in patients with acromegaly and to explore effective screening practices. By addressing the current gaps in knowledge, this collection seeks to answer critical questions about the relationship between acromegaly and cancer, evaluate the effectiveness of existing screening protocols, and propose potential improvements. The goal is to gather evidence that could lead to a consensus on screening guidelines, ultimately improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
To gather further insights into the complex interplay between acromegaly and cancer risk, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The role of GH and IGF-I in cancer development in acromegaly patients
- Comparative studies on cancer prevalence in acromegaly versus the general population
- Evaluation of current cancer screening practices and their effectiveness in acromegaly patients
- The impact of personalized treatment approaches on cancer risk and patient outcomes
- Analysis of independent risk factors, such as age and family history, in cancer development among acromegaly patients
- Recommendations for unitary cancer screening protocols tailored to acromegaly patients
Keywords: Acromegaly, cancer, screening, colorectal, thyroid
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
