Title:Anti-cancer Effects of Metformin: Recent Evidences for its Role in Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
VOLUME: 19 ISSUE: 9
Author(s):Masoumeh Kheirandish, Hamidreza Mahboobi*, Maryam Yazdanparast, Warda Kamal and Mohammad Amjad Kamal
Affiliation:Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Infectious and Tropical Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Biomediotronics, Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589
Keywords:Metformin, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), kappalight-
chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), type 2 diabetes mellitus, reactive oxygen species.
Abstract:Background: Metformin is widely used for management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Recently
growing evidences have shown its anti-cancer effects. The results are mainly from observational studies and thus few
information is available concerning the mechanisms of action.
Method: This paper reviews recent available evidences for anti-cancer effects of metformin. The effects of metformin
in specific cancers including colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, renal, cervical, endometrial, gastric, lung, breast,
and ovarian cancer are reviewed.
Results: Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP)-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) plays an important role in mechanism
of action of metformin. The anti-cancer mechanisms of metformin include direct and indirect effects. The direct
effects of metformin include AMPK-independent and AMPK-dependent effects whereas decrease in glucose level,
hyperinsulinemia, and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) level are considered its indirect effects. Metformin also
decreases both pro-inflammatory cytokines and Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-
κB) and improves the immune response to cancer cells.
Conclusion: Although the results of recent trials confirm the efficacy of metformin in prevention and treatment of
different cancers, the evidences are not adequate enough.
