SGLT2 Inhibitors in Combination Therapies for Tumors: A Novel Approach to Synergistic Treatment Strategies

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally developed for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, have shown potential therapeutic effects in cancer treatment. Studies suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors can suppress tumor growth and proliferation through the modulation of metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells, inhibition of tumor glucose uptake, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. Recent studies have emphasized the potential benefits of combining SGLT2 inhibitors with conventional anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy (CT), immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Several clinical trials are currently evaluating the safety and efficacy of these combinations. Both preclinical and clinical studies primarily explore the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in inhibiting tumor growth, reducing metastasis, and enhancing treatment outcomes. Identifying combination therapies with SGLT2 inhibitors could enable more personalized treatment selection and optimization. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors when combined with conventional anticancer therapies, aiming to elucidate their emerging role in cancer treatment. Combination regimens involving SGLT2 inhibitors have the prospect to overcome certain limitations of monotherapy, offering promising clinical benefits and improving patient outcomes.