Metformin and Cancer
The Role of Glucose-Lowering Drugs in Oncology
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Metformin, a common diabetes drug, shows potential as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment. Research suggests it may reduce cancer risk and mortality, slow tumor growth, and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Why Are Glucose-Lowering Drugs Linked to Cancer?
Cancer cells rely heavily on glucose as their main energy source. When blood sugar and insulin levels remain elevated over time, tumor cells are more easily activated to grow and divide.
Metformin, widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes, has recently attracted attention for its potential role in cancer prevention and treatment.
Epidemiological studies show that people with diabetes face more than double the risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. However, diabetic patients who take Metformin have demonstrated a 15–57% lower cancer-related mortality rate.
Mechanisms of Action in Cancer
Metformin may support cancer therapy through multiple pathways:
- Lowering blood sugar and insulin levels – reducing tumor fuel and growth stimulation.
- Inhibiting oncogenic signaling pathways – blocking Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascades that drive tumor proliferation.
- Activating the AMPK pathway – suppressing mTOR activity, slowing down tumor progression.
Key Clinical Research Findings
- Breast Cancer: Short-term Metformin use reduced tumor proliferation rates (measured by Ki67 index).
- Endometrial Cancer: Pre-surgical use significantly decreased cancer cell growth.
- Lung Cancer: Patients receiving Metformin alongside targeted therapies experienced extended survival.
- Meta-Analyses: Large-scale reviews support Metformin’s role in lowering both cancer incidence and mortality, though further randomized clinical trials are needed for confirmation.
What Cancer Patients Should Know
- Metformin is not a primary cancer treatment, but rather a potential adjunct therapy under research.
- Patients should consult their oncologist before use, especially those with kidney or metabolic conditions.
- Ongoing large-scale trials will determine its precise role in oncology and survivorship care.
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References
- Heckman-Stoddard, B. M., DeCensi, A., Sahasrabuddhe, V. V., & Ford, L. G. (2017). Repurposing metformin for the prevention of cancer and cancer recurrence. Diabetologia, 60(9), 1639–1647. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-017-4372-6
- Kasznicki, J., Sliwinska, A., & Drzewoski, J. (2014). Metformin in cancer prevention and therapy. Annals of Translational Medicine, 2(6), 57.
- Pollak, M. (2012). Metformin and other biguanides in oncology: Advancing the research agenda. Cancer Prevention Research, 5(5), 476–481.