Several large observational studies have suggested metformin has anti-tumor effects and may be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment option for breast cancer. This hypothesis was tested by a randomized clinical trial recently published. Listen to host Geoff Wall discuss if metformin is a miracle drug.
The GameChanger
Metformin can alter insulin signaling which is crucial for the development of certain types of cancer cells. Thus, in various observational and pre-clinical studies, metformin has been associated with better outcomes in breast cancer, usually in patients with diabetes. A recently published RCT found no benefit of taking adjunctive metformin in patients with breast cancer and no diabetes.
Show Segments
00:00 – Introductions
01:19 – Metformin in the Treatment of Breast Cancer
02:21 – Insulin Signaling in Tumor Cell Development
06:54 – Effect of Metformin Vs Placebo on Invasive Disease-Free Survival in Patients with Breast Cancer: The MA.32 Randomized Clinical Trial
17:09 – Connecting to Practice & Further Studies
21:17 – The GameChanger
21:55 – Closing Remarks
Host
Geoff Wall, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, CGP
Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Drake University
Internal Medicine/Critical Care, UnityPoint Health
References and Resources
Effect of Metformin vs Placebo on Invasive Disease–Free Survival in Patients With Breast Cancer: The MA.32 Randomized Clinical Trial
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