BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factors (IGF's) play a crucial role in controlling cancer cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Exercise has been postulated as an effective intervention in improving cancer-related outcomes and survival, although its effects on IGF's are not well understood. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of exercise in modulating IGF's system in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Databases of PuMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, SPORTDiscus, LILACS and Scopus were systematically searched up to November 2014. Effect estimates were calculated through a random-effects model of meta-analysis according to the der Simonian and Laird method. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 test. Risk of bias and methodological quality were evaluated using the PEDro score. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials (n = 235) were included. Most women were post-menopausal. High-quality and low risk of bias were found (mean PEDro score 6.2 +/- 1). Exercise resulted in significant improvements on IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-I, IGFBP-3, Insulin and Insulin resistance (p < 0.05). Non-significant differences were found for Glucose. Aerobic exercise improved IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and insulin. No evidence of publication bias was detected by Egger's test (p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise improved IGF's in breast cancer survivors. These findings provide novel insight regarding the molecular effects of exercise on tumoral microenvironment, apoptosis and survival in breast cancer survivors.

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