Objectives: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is an important growth and anti-apoptotic factor for the cancer cells in several malignancies. IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) also apparently inhibits growth and induces apoptosis through IGF-independent mechanisms. In this study it was aimed to measure serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in 25 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and to compare with these results to healthy controls, and it was also aimed association between these results and some prognostic factors.

Materials and Methods: Twenty five patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) whose age ranging from 18-63 (mean ± SE 40 ± 16.19) and 25 healthy volunteer whose age ranging from 18 to 63 (mean ± SE 40 ± 16.27) were obtained in Hematology and Oncology Department. Blood samples were collected and separated serums stored in –800C until study. IGF-1 ve IGFBP-3 levels were measured with immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) (respectively).

Results: IGF-1 level was higher in patients with NHL (mean±SE;357.88±197.45 ng/ml) than in healthy volunteer group (332.47±140.51 ng/ml), but this difference was not statistically significance (p>0.05). IGFBP-3 level was lower in patients with NHL (mean±SE; 1753.14±603.58 ng/ml) than in healthy volunteer group (1842.84±403.33 ng/ml), but this difference was not statistically significance (p>0.05). IGFBP-3 level in patients with B symptoms (1577.35±582.52 ng/ml) was significantly lower than in patients without B symptoms (2065.66±533.86 ng/ml) (p<0.005).

Conclusion: Although there was not any statistical significance, IGF-1 level was found increase and IGFBP-3 was found decrease in NHL patients when compared to healthy volunteer group. IGFBP-3 level in patients with B symptoms was significantly lower than in patients without B symptoms . ©2006, Fırat Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi