In a nutshell
The authors determined the effect of metformin (Glucophage) on cancer recurrence (return of cancer) and overall survival in prostate cancer patients.
Some background
Metformin is a drug used to treat diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. However, numerous studies have shown that metformin may have an effect on delaying or slowing down prostate cancer progression. Biochemical recurrence is a method used to determine the risk of prostate cancer recurrence (return). This involves testing prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is a protein elevated in the blood when prostate cancer returns.
Further studies are required to determine whether metformin is a viable treatment option for prostate cancer.
Methods & findings
The authors aimed to determine the effect of metformin in reducing prostate cancer risk, biochemical recurrence and overall survival (patients who were still alive following the treatment) in prostate cancer.
Data from 21 studies were used in this analysis. 963991 patients were evaluated for cancer risk. For biochemical recurrence, 9241 patients were evaluated. For overall survival, 9241 patients were evaluated. The odds of experiencing prostate cancer risk were reduced by 9% in patients treated with metformin. Patients who received metformin had a 19% reduced risk of experiencing biochemical recurrence. Metformin did not have a significant effect on overall survival.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that metformin significantly reduced prostate cancer risk and biochemical recurrence but did not have a significant effect on overall survival.
The fine print
Data used in this analysis was taken from numerous studies using different experimental procedures, so results may be biased.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Dec 29, 2014
