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Related Concept Videos

Cancer02:18

Cancer

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Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
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What is Cancer?02:12

What is Cancer?

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Cells and tissues must meticulously coordinate their activities for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, they exhibit socially responsible behavior - resting, growing, dividing, differentiating, or dying - for the organism’s benefit. Cancer arises when cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues or organs.
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
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Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

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Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
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Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

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Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
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Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

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Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
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Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

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Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies
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Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies

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Metformin in cancer.

Ritwika Mallik1, Tahseen A Chowdhury2

  • 1(a)International Training Fellow in Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
|May 29, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Metformin, a common diabetes drug, shows potential anti-cancer effects by activating AMP-kinase and influencing various pathways. While studies suggest a reduced cancer risk, conclusive evidence is still pending larger clinical trials.

Keywords:
AMP-kinaseCancerMammalian target of rapamycinMetformin

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Metformin is a first-line oral hypoglycemic agent for Type 2 diabetes.
  • It is a lipophilic biguanide that inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis and enhances peripheral glucose uptake.
  • Metformin possesses pleiotropic effects beyond glycemic control, impacting various tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential anti-tumourigenic effects of metformin.
  • To review the mechanisms underlying metformin's potential role in cancer prevention and treatment.
  • To summarize current evidence regarding metformin's association with cancer risk and its use in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on metformin's pharmacological actions.
  • Analysis of observational and cohort studies investigating metformin and cancer risk.
  • Evaluation of results from randomized controlled trials of metformin in cancer treatment.

Main Results:

  • Metformin's anti-tumourigenic effects may be mediated by AMP-kinase activation and mTOR inhibition.
  • Non-AMPK dependent pathways include modulation of insulin, IGF-1, leptin, inflammatory markers, and adiponectin.
  • Observational studies suggest a potential reduction in cancer risk, but data is not conclusive.
  • Randomized trials have yielded mixed results, with larger trials ongoing.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin exhibits potential anti-cancer properties through multiple molecular pathways.
  • While epidemiological data is suggestive, conclusive evidence for metformin's efficacy in cancer prevention or treatment is pending.
  • Further large-scale randomized trials are crucial to establish metformin's role in oncology.