title: Metformin association with lower prostate cancer recurrence in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Accumulating evidence suggests that metformin possesses anticarcinogenic properties, and its use is associated with favorable outcomes in several cancers. However, it remains unclear whether metformin influences prognosis in prostate cancer (PCa) with concurrent type 2 diabetes (T2D).
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to April 16, 2014 without language restrictions to identify studies investigating the effect of metformin treatment on outcomes of PCa with concurrent T2D. We conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the risk of recurrence, progression, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. Summary relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Publication bias was assessed by Begg's rank correlation test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of eight studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. We found that diabetic PCa patients who did not use metformin were at increased risk of cancer recurrence (RR, 1.20; 95%CI, 1.00-1.44), compared with those who used metformin. A similar trend was observed for other outcomes, but their relationships did not reach statistical significance. Funnel plot asymmetry was not observed among studies reporting recurrence (p=0.086).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that metformin may improve outcomes in PCa patients with concurrent T2D. Well-designed large studies and collaborative basic research are warranted.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea E-mail : smpark.snuh@gmail.com.
authors: In Cheol
authors: IC
authors: Hwang
authors: Sang Min
authors: SM
authors: Park
authors: Doosup
authors: D
authors: Shin
authors: Hong Yup
authors: HY
authors: Ahn
authors: Malte
authors: M
authors: Rieken
authors: Shahrokh F
authors: SF
authors: Shariat
mesh_terms: D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011379:Prognosis; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin