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Metformin and HER2-positive breast cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Sara S Bashraheel1, Hadeel Kheraldine2, Sarah Khalaf3

  • 1QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|April 10, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, shows promise in fighting cancer, particularly HER2-positive breast cancer. Research explores its molecular pathways and combination therapies for enhanced efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus and cancer share strong epidemiological links.
  • Metformin, a first-line type II diabetes drug, exhibits anticancer properties through various molecular pathways.
  • HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype with significant metastatic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association between diabetes and cancer.
  • To summarize metformin's anticancer activities, focusing on molecular mechanisms.
  • To explore metformin's role in HER2-positive breast cancer and potential combination therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on diabetes, cancer, and metformin.
  • Analysis of metformin's impact on AMP-inducible protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent and independent pathways.
  • Investigation of metformin's interaction with IGF-1R signaling in breast cancer.

Main Results:

  • Metformin influences key molecular pathways involved in cancer progression.
  • Metformin indirectly inhibits IGF-1R signaling, crucial in breast cancer.
  • Evidence suggests potential for metformin in treating HER2-positive breast cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin possesses anticancer activities relevant to diabetes and cancer patients.
  • Further research into metformin and combination therapies for HER2-positive breast cancer is warranted.
  • Understanding metformin's molecular targets can guide novel therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
Breast cancerDiabetesHER2HER2/IGF-1R interactionMetformin

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