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Metformin and Prostate Cancer: a New Role for an Old Drug

Jessica Whitburn1, Claire M Edwards2, Prasanna Sooriakumaran2,3

  • 1Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK. jesswhitburn@gmail.com.

Current Urology Reports
|April 27, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Metformin shows potential as an anti-cancer agent, particularly for prostate cancer. Ongoing trials are evaluating its effectiveness, especially as an adjuvant therapy alongside androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epidemiological studies suggest metformin may reduce cancer incidence and mortality.
  • Growing interest in understanding metformin's anti-cancer mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on metformin's role in prostate cancer therapy.
  • To explore metformin's potential as an anti-cancer agent in prostate cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies on metformin's antineoplastic effects.
  • Analysis of retrospective epidemiological data in prostate cancer.
  • Evaluation of ongoing clinical trials investigating metformin's efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Preclinical studies show metformin has antineoplastic effects via various molecular mechanisms.
  • Epidemiological data for prostate cancer is mixed, but clinical trials are underway.
  • Early studies indicate metformin can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and improve metabolic syndrome in patients on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Conclusions:

  • Evidence for metformin in prostate cancer therapy is rapidly accumulating.
  • Randomized trial data is still pending, but metformin shows promise as an adjuvant agent, especially for patients on ADT.
Keywords:
AMPKBiguanideCancerMetforminProstate

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