Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
Determining the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor on breast cancer cell migration and clonogenicity - a pilot study
Vincent Lučanský1, Ivana Baranová1,2, Iryna Samec3
1Department of Pathological Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Breast cancer remains one of the most diagnosed and lethal cancers, with increased incidence in developing countries. Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is an effective and well-tolerated antidiabetic drug for managing and treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, it can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular causes and hospitalizations for heart failure. Recent data indicate that empagliflozin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by modulating various signaling pathways. Molecular and cellular analysis revealed that SGLT2 is expressed in different types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and lung. We analyzed the potential anticancer activities of empagliflozin in the 4T1 breast cancer cell line. To assess the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor on the migration and clonogenicity of cancer cells, we used the wound healing assay and the colony formation assay. The acquired data showed some trends; however, no significant results were obtained.
Insights
This study explored empagliflozin
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally.
- Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is approved for type 2 diabetes and shows cardiovascular benefits.
- SGLT2 is expressed in various cancers, including breast cancer, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential anticancer effects of empagliflozin on breast cancer cells.
- To evaluate the impact of empagliflozin on breast cancer cell migration and clonogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 4T1 breast cancer cell line for in vitro studies.
- Employed wound healing and colony formation assays to assess cell migration and clonogenicity.
- Analyzed the effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin.
Main Results:
- Observed trends in cell migration and clonogenicity assays.
- No statistically significant anticancer effects were demonstrated in this study.
Conclusions:
- Empagliflozin did not show significant anticancer activity against the 4T1 breast cancer cell line in vitro.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in breast cancer treatment.

