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Anticancer mechanisms of metformin: A review of the current evidence

Bin Zhao1, Jie Luo1, Tongyao Yu1

  • 1Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China; School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China.

Life Sciences
|April 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Metformin, a diabetes drug, shows promising anticancer effects. Research is exploring its anti-neoplastic mechanisms and potential as a novel cancer treatment, with ongoing clinical trials investigating its efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metformin is an FDA-approved drug for type 2 diabetes.
  • Emerging research indicates metformin possesses anti-neoplastic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest findings on metformin's anticancer activities.
  • To elucidate the diverse mechanisms underlying metformin's anti-cancer effects.
  • To discuss clinical trials and limitations regarding metformin in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on metformin and cancer.
  • Analysis of evidence from preclinical and clinical investigations.
  • Synthesis of data on metformin's anticancer mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Metformin exhibits significant anticancer activities across various cancer types.
  • Multiple mechanisms contribute to metformin's anti-neoplastic effects.
  • Clinical trials are evaluating metformin's efficacy as a cancer therapeutic.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin shows potential as a repurposed drug for cancer treatment.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimize its use.
  • Evidence supports exploring metformin's role in oncological therapies.
Keywords:
ApoptosisAutophagyEpigenetic modificationImmunoregulationMetformin

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