Metformin
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Drug Name | Metformin |
| FDA Approval | Yes (Approved for type 2 diabetes; not FDA-approved for cancer treatment) |
| Used for | Investigational use in cancer treatment, specifically studied for effects on glioblastoma and glioma stem cells |
| Clinical Trial Phase | Preclinical studies and some clinical trials |
| Clinical Trial Explanation | Metformin is under investigation for its potential anti-cancer properties in glioblastoma, particularly its effects on glioma stem cells. Studies focus on its ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancerous cells. |
| Common Side Effects | Gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea and nausea; lactic acidosis (rare but serious) |
| OS without | Not specified |
| OS with | Under investigation; some studies suggest potential for improved outcomes in cancer patients on metformin |
| PFS without | Not specified |
| PFS with | Under investigation; initial results indicate possible benefits in slowing disease progression |
| Usefulness Rating | 3 |
| Usefulness Explanation | Metformin has shown promise in laboratory and early clinical studies for impacting cancer cell metabolism and inhibiting growth, particularly in glioblastoma. Its effects on glioma stem cells may enhance susceptibility to conventional treatments and reduce tumor recurrence.Property "Has Usefulness Explanation" (as page type) with input value "Metformin has shown promise in laboratory and early clinical studies for impacting cancer cell metabolism and inhibiting growth, particularly in glioblastoma. Its effects on glioma stem cells may enhance susceptibility to conventional treatments and reduce tumor recurrence." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. |
| Toxicity Level | 2 |
| Toxicity Explanation | Metformin is generally safe with a well-established profile. Most common side effects are related to the gastrointestinal system. The rare occurrence of lactic acidosis is a serious condition that requires medical attention. In the context of cancer treatment, monitoring and management of side effects are crucial. |
Notes: Metformin, primarily used for managing diabetes, is being explored for its potential to target metabolic pathways in cancer cells, including glioma stem cells. Its well-documented safety profile and widespread use make it a candidate for repurposing in oncology, with ongoing research needed to confirm its efficacy in glioblastoma treatment.
As a widely used diabetes medication, metformin has attracted interest for its potential anti-cancer effects, notably in glioblastoma. Research suggests that it may inhibit the growth of glioma stem cells, which are pivotal in tumor recurrence and resistance to treatment. By potentially disrupting the metabolic state of these cells, metformin could offer a novel approach to improving outcomes in glioblastoma patients.
Links: * [ClinicalTrials.gov list of metformin studies in glioblastoma](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=Glioblastoma&term=Metformin&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=)
- [Study on metformin's impact on glioma stem cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/)
- [Review of metformin in cancer prevention and therapy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/)
- [Metformin and its potential therapeutic effects on glioblastoma](https://www.mdpi.com/journal/pharmaceuticals)
From Ben Williams Book: Not specified
