The insulin signalling axis consists of, next to insulin, two structurally related ligands, i.e. insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and -2, a set of receptors, i.e. INSR, IGF1R and IGF2R and a family of seven insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBP).14 A large body of research has been performed on IGF1R and its function in cancer is well documented.14,15 Anti-IGF1R strategies have been clinically used to treat cancer. The gene discussed is INSR; the disease is cancer.