Role of Opioid Growth Factor-Opioid Growth Factor Receptor (OGF-OGFr) Axis in Cancer Management

Abstract

Opioid growth factor (OGF) and its receptor, opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr), create a physiological axis that affects cellular growth by decreasing the G₁/S phase of cell division in both normal and malignant cells. The OGF-OGFr axis is potent, rapid, reversible, stereospecific, receptor-mediated, serum- and anchorage-independent, dosage- and duration-dependent, and tonically active and is present at physiological doses. Cancer progression can be suppressed or accelerated when the OGF-OGFr pathway is altered by adding OGF externally or obstructing its receptor. Exogenous or endogenous antagonists of OGF and OGFr have been shown to modulate cancer cell propagation. OGF-OGFr pathway activation has the potential to reduce tumor development and metastasis and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy while preserving healthy tissues, as shown by preclinical research conducted in animal models. Clinical trials in humans have also demonstrated promising results in treating various types of cancer, encompassing pancreatic, lung, and ovarian cancers. This review aims to summarize the recent developments that show the importance of the OGF-OGFr axis in cancer treatment.