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Review
. 2017 Jun;18(6):46.
doi: 10.1007/s11934-017-0693-8.

Metformin and Prostate Cancer: a New Role for an Old Drug

Jessica Whitburn  1 , Claire M Edwards  2 , Prasanna Sooriakumaran  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Metformin and Prostate Cancer: a New Role for an Old Drug

Jessica Whitburn et al. Curr Urol Rep. 2017 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Since epidemiological studies first demonstrated a potential positive effect of metformin in reducing cancer incidence and mortality, there has been an increased interest in not only better understanding metformin's mechanisms of action but also in exploring its potential anti-cancer effects. In this review, we aim to summarise the current evidence exploring a role for metformin in prostate cancer therapy.

Recent findings: Preclinical studies have demonstrated a number of antineoplastic biological effects via a range of molecular mechanisms. Data from retrospective epidemiological studies in prostate cancer has been mixed; however, there are several clinical trials currently underway evaluating metformin's role as an anti-cancer agent. Early studies have shown benefits of metformin to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and improve metabolic syndrome in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). While the body of evidence to support a role for metformin in prostate cancer therapy is rapidly growing, there is still insufficient data from randomised trials, which are currently still ongoing. However, evidence so far suggests metformin could be a useful adjuvant agent, particularly in patients on ADT.

Keywords: AMPK; Biguanide; Cancer; Metformin; Prostate.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Jessica Whitburn and Claire M. Edwards each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Prasanna Sooriakumaran is a section editor for Current Urology Reports.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Overview of the direct and indirect anti-cancer effect of metformin
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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