Metformin in cancer treatment and prevention

Daniel R. Morales (Lead / Corresponding author), Andrew D. Morris (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    384 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of cancer development. Metformin is a well-established, effective agent for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological studies have identified an association between metformin use and a beneficial effect on cancer prevention and treatment, which has led to increasing interest in the potential use of metformin as an anticancer agent. Basic science has provided a better understanding of the mechanism of action of metformin and the potential for metformin to modulate molecular pathways involved in cancer cell signaling and metabolism. This article outlines the link between metformin and cancer, the potential for metformin in oncology, and limitations of currently available evidence.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)17-29
    Number of pages13
    JournalAnnual Review of Medicine
    Volume66
    Early online date6 Nov 2014
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2015

    Keywords

    • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
    • Humans
    • Hypoglycemic Agents
    • Metformin
    • Neoplasms
    • Journal Article
    • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    • Review

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