Work

Metformin, an Old Drug, Brings a New Era to Cancer Therapy

Year: 2015

Type: review

Abstract: Metformin is the most commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus as it is inexpensive, safe, and efficient in ameliorating hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Epidemiological and clinical observation studies have shown that metformin use reduces risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and improves prognosis and survival rate of the cancer patients. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials of metformin in cancer therapy are extending to nondiabetic population. Thus, metformin is emerging as an attractive candidate for cancer prevention and treatment. This review summarizes recent progress in studies of metformin use in cancer and discusses the possibility to enhance its efficacy and to prevent cancer metastasis.

Source: The Cancer Journal

DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000103

Authors: Huan He, Rong Ke, Hui Lin, Ying Ying, Dan Liu, Zhijun Luo

Institutions: Boston University, Nanchang University

Language: English

Topic: Metabolism, Diabetes, and Cancer

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute