Efficacy of Metformin as Adjuvant Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

Metformin has been reported to have an anti-tumorigenic impact against metastatic breast cancer (MBC) cells through several mechanisms. Its effect can be evaluated by using many variables such as the response rate (RR) as well as the progression-free survival (PFS).

A prospective study was conducted to investigate and estimate the metformin effect on MBC. About 107 subjects were included in the study and were divided into two groups: Group A included non-diabetic MBC patients treated with metformin in conjunction with chemotherapy and group B included those treated with chemotherapy alone. Both PFS and RR were used as a criteria to evaluate the treatment outcome. Associated adverse effects of metformin were also assessed.

The average age of the participants in group A and group B was 50 vs. 47.5, respectively. No significant differences were detected between both cohorts concerning RR levels (regression disease (RD) 27.8% vs. 12.5%, stationary disease (SD) 44.4% vs. 41.7%, progression disease (PD) 27.8% vs. 45.8%, respectively, p = 0.074). Moreover, PFS showed no significant difference between both groups (p = 0.753). There was no significant correlation between metformin concentration and their adverse effects on the study participants.

Metformin as an adjuvant therapy to MBC undergoing chemotherapy showed no significant survival benefit as determined by RR and PFS.