Insulin resistance-induced alterations in the composition of the IGF family (comprising IGF-1, IGF-2, their receptors, IGF-1R and IGF-2R, and six types of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), IGFBP-1 to 6, have been demonstrated to be of key importance in the formation and progression of tumours. This evidence concerns the gene IGF1 and neoplasm.