A novel antitumor activity of deguelin targeting the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor pathway via up-regulation of IGF-binding protein-3 expression in breast cancer

► Deguelin inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells regardless of the ER, PR, and HER2 status. ► The antitumor effect of deguelin was mediated by regulating IGF-1R pathway and IGFBP-3 expression. ► The results suggest the potential therapeutic use of deugelin for the treatment of breast cancer.