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Metformin: an emerging new therapeutic option for targeting cancer stem cells and metastasis

Ramandeep Rattan1, Rouba Ali Fehmi, Adnan Munkarah

  • 1Division of Gynecology Oncology, Department of Women's Health Services, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.

Journal of Oncology
|June 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Metformin may combat cancer metastasis by targeting epithelial to mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells. This review explores the potential of this hypoglycemic drug in treating incurable metastatic cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metastasis is a complex process involving cancer cell alterations and spread to secondary sites.
  • Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key early step in metastasis.
  • Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are increasingly recognized as crucial drivers of metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of metformin in combating cancer metastasis.
  • To explore metformin's ability to target both EMT and CSCs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on metformin, EMT, CSCs, and metastasis.

Main Results:

  • Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic agent, shows potential therapeutic value.
  • Metformin may inhibit EMT, a critical process in metastatic progression.
  • Metformin could target CSCs, which are implicated in initiating metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin presents a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer metastasis.
  • Targeting both EMT and CSCs with metformin could offer a novel approach to treating metastatic disease.

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