Metformin and ovarian cancer survival: is there a rational warrant for belief?

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2019 Oct;300(4):797-798. doi: 10.1007/s00404-019-05252-3.

Abstract

Metformin (MF) represents the first-line drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Recently, MF has also been reported to be a potential and promising anti-cancer agent for some gynecological cancers' prevention. MF, as an anti-tumorigenic factor, may reduce the chance of developing ovarian cancer by targeting IL-6. By acting on IL-6 expression, metformin might have a positive impact on the main molecular pathways strictly connected with pathogenesis and biological features of ovarian cancer. Further investigation is warranted to better define the use of MF as a possible treatment option in the fight against ovarian cancer.

Publication types

  • News

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Metformin / pharmacology
  • Metformin / therapeutic use*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin