Clinical impact of metformin in diabetic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients: a case-control study

Molecular studies have shown metformin to have a promising effect in lymphoma; however, there is lack of studies translating this effect into clinical settings. This was a case-control study to assess the clinical effect of metformin in diabetic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Case subjects were diabetic on metformin with a new diagnosis of DLBCL. A total of 24 case subjects were identified, and for each case a control was matched. Outcomes of this study were to assess overall response rate, complete remission rate, progression free survival, and overall survival between the two groups. There was a significant increase in overall response rate, complete remission rate, and improved progression free survival in the metformin group compared to the control group, however, no significant overall survival difference was observed. Metformin use might be associated with an improved response rates and progression-free survival in diabetic DLBCL patients.