Metformin Applications in Oncology
Summary
Metformin, a first-line agent for type 2 diabetes, has emerged as a promising adjunct in cancer prevention and treatment. Its anticancer effects arise through both insulin-dependent and insulin-independent pathways. By activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), metformin impedes tumour cell growth, reduces protein synthesis and promotes catabolic metabolism. It induces cell cycle arrest, autophagy and apoptosis across diverse malignancies and may modulate the tumour microenvironment through immunomodulatory mechanisms. Epidemiological studies have reported a lower incidence and mortality of various cancers in patients receiving metformin, prompting numerous clinical trials in breast, endometrial and colorectal cancers. Preclinical models have further highlighted its ability to restrict metastatic progression, reprogramme stromal cells and enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and targeted therapies. Ongoing research continues to define optimal dosing, identify predictive biomarkers and elucidate mechanisms of resistance, with a view to integrating metformin into multimodal oncology regimens.
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Metformin Applications in Oncology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in metformin applications in oncology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase, a cellular energy sensor that shifts metabolism towards catabolism and inhibits growth pathways.
mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, a serine/threonine kinase that promotes protein synthesis and cell proliferation.
Autophagy: A process of lysosomal degradation and recycling of cellular components under stress conditions.
Apoptosis: Programmed cell death involving caspase activation, DNA fragmentation and membrane blebbing.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive oxygen-derived molecules that can damage cellular components and trigger stress responses.
References
- Mitochondria‐Modulating Liposomes Reverse Radio‐Resistance for Colorectal Cancer. Advanced Science (2024).
- Repurposing metformin for cancer treatment: current clinical studies. Oncotarget (2016).
- Metformin: Multi-faceted protection against cancer. Oncotarget (2011).
- Metformin induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy through ROS/JNK signaling pathway in human osteosarcoma. International Journal of Biological Sciences (2020).
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