Metformin and pancreatic cancer: a clue requiring investigation

Clin Cancer Res. 2012 May 15;18(10):2723-5. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-12-0694. Epub 2012 Mar 31.

Abstract

Laboratory models show antineoplastic activity of metformin under certain conditions, and pharmacoepidemiologic studies have reported reduced cancer burden among diabetics taking metformin. Therefore, the hypothesis that metformin has antineoplastic activity is receiving increasing attention. However, gaps in knowledge must be addressed before metformin can be "repurposed" for oncologic indications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Diabetes Complications / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Metformin / pharmacology
  • Metformin / therapeutic use*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / complications
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin