Metformin in Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Daniel R Morales, Andrew D. Morris

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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 / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin
  • Neoplasms

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