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Association Between Metformin Use and Risk of Lung Cancer in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and
Mehdi Karimi1,2, Farnaz Hooshmand3, Kiana Mohammadian4
1Faculty of Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University (NMU), Kyiv, Ukraine.
Cancer Reports (Hoboken, N.J.)
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Metformin use in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly lowers lung cancer risk. This protective effect is more pronounced with long-term Metformin use and in Asian populations, suggesting its potential in lung cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent endocrine disorder.
- Metformin, a T2DM medication, shows potential anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Metformin use and lung cancer risk in T2DM patients.
- To quantify the risk reduction of lung cancer associated with Metformin.
- To explore subgroup variations in this association.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of observational studies up to January 2026.
- Meta-analysis of fully adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
- Statistical analysis performed using R Statistical Software.
Main Results:
- Pooled analysis of 29 studies showed a significant reduction in lung cancer risk with Metformin use (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: [0.77-0.94]).
- Subgroup analyses indicated significant risk reduction in cohort studies (HR: 0.79) and Asian populations (HR: 0.82).
- Extended Metformin use (>3 years) demonstrated a significant risk reduction (HR: 0.87), unlike shorter durations.
Conclusions:
- Metformin use is associated with a potential protective effect against lung cancer in T2DM patients.
- Significant risk reduction observed in long-term users and Asian populations.
- Findings highlight Metformin's promise for lung cancer prevention in specific subgroups.
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