Anticancer potential of metformin: focusing on gastrointestinal cancers

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal cancers are a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
• Metformin, a widely used type 2 diabetes medication, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties.
• There is a growing interest in repurposing metformin for cancer treatment due to its safety profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding metformin's molecular mechanisms in gastrointestinal cancer.
• To highlight the potential of metformin in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies.
• To consolidate current knowledge on metformin's anti-cancer effects in the context of gastrointestinal cancers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on metformin and gastrointestinal cancers.
• Analysis of proposed molecular pathways involved in metformin's anti-cancer activity.
• Synthesis of evidence from various research settings investigating metformin's efficacy.

Main Results:

• Metformin exhibits anti-cancer effects across various gastrointestinal cancer types.
• Multiple molecular mechanisms, including AMPK activation and mTOR inhibition, are implicated in metformin's action.
• Clinical trials suggest metformin may reduce the risk and progression of gastrointestinal cancers.

Conclusions:

• Metformin presents a safe and potentially effective therapeutic option for gastrointestinal cancers.
• Further research into its molecular targets can optimize its use in cancer therapy.
• Repurposing metformin holds significant promise for improving outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients.