How far along are we in revealing the connection between metformin and colorectal cancer?

Scientific paper - Review paper

• Author: Maja Cigrovski Berković
• Author: Danko Mikulić
• Author: Ines Bilić-Ćurčić
• Author: Anna Mrzljak
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; (Department of Internal Medicine)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Clinical Medical Sciences; Internal Medicine

Abstract (english)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, and its prevention and reduction of incidence is imperative. The presence of diabetes has been associated with a 30% increased risk of CRC, likely through the mechanism of hyperinsulinemia, which promotes tumorigenesis via the insulin receptor in the epithelium or by insulin-like growth factor pathways, inflammation, or adipokines, inducing cancer cell proliferation and cancer spread. Metformin, the first-line agent in treating type 2 diabetes, has a chemopreventive role in CRC development. Additionally, preclinical studies suggest synergistic effects of metformin with oxaliplatin in inhibiting in vitro models of colon cancer. Although preclinical studies on the post diagnostic use of metformin were promising and suggested its synergistic effects with chemotherapy, the data on the possible effects of metformin after surgery and other CRC treatment in the clinical setting are less conclusive, and randomized controlled trials are still lacking.

• Keywords (english): Colonic Neoplasms*; Colorectal Neoplasms* / drug therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use; Metformin* / therapeutic use; Oxaliplatin
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Review paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: World Journal of Gastroenterology
• Numbering: vol. 27, no. 14, pp. 1362-1368
• p-ISSN: 1007-9327
• e-ISSN: 2219-2840
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v27.i14.1362
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:547932
• Publication: 2021-04-14
• Document URL: https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v27/i14/1362.htm
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2021-10-15 07:51:05