Work

The role of metformin in dysplastic mucosa of the larynx: A follow up study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal case series reports our ongoing experience with metformin, an oral antihyperglycemic drug, as a possible agent to halt the progression of dysplastic lesions to carcinoma, in those with previously treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). DESIGN: Case series. RESULTS: Three patients were included who had laryngeal dysplasia (age 66.67 ± 7.09; range 59-73 years; 3 male) with a follow up time of 17 to 88 months. The average dose of metformin was 500 mg twice daily. Two patients showed complete or partial regression of the dysplastic mucosa, while the third demonstrated a worsening of dysplasia after he halted treatment for six weeks. CONCLUSION: Metformin is a safe agent that has the potential to prevent progression of laryngeal dysplasia in patients with a history of HNSCC. Further studies are needed to verify and expand on this limited case series.

Source: American Journal of Otolaryngology

DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2025.104769

Authors: Diana N. Kirke, Diana S. Shaari, Corina Din-Lovinescu, Andrew Blitzer, Marshall Strome

Institutions: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, ENT and Allergy, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine- Phoenix

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,630