In this theory, lack of overexpression of IGFBP3 in SPN and, to a lesser extent, in IPMN may actually be a result and not a cause for the benign behavior of SPN and the less aggressive behavior of IPMN, since the generally slower growth of these tumors can be sustained more easily when resources become limited. Here, IGFBP3 is linked to pancreatic intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm.