Metformin in cancer treatment and prevention.
Patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of cancer development. Metformin is a well-established, effective agent for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological studies have identified an association between metformin use and a beneficial effect on cancer prevention and treatment, which has led to increasing interest in the potential use of metformin as an anticancer agent. Basic science has provided a better understanding of the mechanism of action of metformin and the potential for metformin to modulate molecular pathways involved in cancer cell signaling and metabolism. This article outlines the link between metformin and cancer, the potential for metformin in oncology, and limitations of currently available evidence.
Population Health Sciences Division, Medical Research Institute, and.
Daniel R
DR
Morales
Andrew D
AD
Morris
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin
clinical trials; diabetes; epidemiology; oncology