Advances in metformin‑based metabolic therapy for non‑small cell lung cancer (Review)

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Metabolism
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tumor cell metabolism is a key therapeutic target.
• Glycolysis inhibitors impact non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) proliferation.
• Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is also crucial in lung cancer metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic effects of metformin against NSCLC.
• To evaluate metformin as a single agent and in combination therapy.
• To provide a theoretical basis for metformin's clinical use in NSCLC adjuvant therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on metformin and NSCLC.
• Analysis of metformin's role in targeting tumor cell metabolism.
• Examination of clinical data on metformin's efficacy in NSCLC.

Main Results:

• Metformin inhibits mitochondrial OXPHOS in tumor cells.
• Clinical studies indicate metformin reduces NSCLC morbidity and mortality.
• Metformin shows potential efficacy as both a standalone and combination treatment.

Conclusions:

• Metformin demonstrates therapeutic potential in NSCLC treatment.
• Its mechanism involves inhibiting mitochondrial OXPHOS.
• Further research supports its use in adjuvant therapy for NSCLC.