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Metformin Renders Survival Advantage to Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme
Daniel Gonzales-Portillo1, Bhavya Vashi1, Kirsten Bains Williams2
1Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA.
Neurology International
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Metformin may improve survival for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. This study found metformin increased median overall survival by 18 months in GBM patients, suggesting it as a potential affordable cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with poor prognosis.
- Current GBM treatments are costly and have limited efficacy.
- Metformin, a diabetes drug, shows potential as an anti-cancer agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of metformin in treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
- To assess metformin's impact on overall survival in GBM patients.
- To identify affordable therapeutic alternatives for GBM.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Screening of 469 studies based on comprehensive search terms.
- Inclusion of 4 studies for final meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- Metformin treatment demonstrated a significant increase in median overall survival for GBM patients.
- Patients receiving metformin showed an 18-month survival advantage compared to controls (p=0.00197).
Conclusions:
- Metformin shows efficacy as an anti-neoplastic agent against GBM.
- Metformin may offer a survival benefit for glioblastoma multiforme patients.
- Further clinical trials are needed to determine optimal metformin dosage for GBM treatment.
