Diabetes medication metformin may prevent cancer growth
Many prescription drugs that are sold in the U.S. may be available at a Canadian pharmacy for cheaper prices.
Many prescription drugs that are sold in the U.S. may be available at a Canadian pharmacy for cheaper prices. Scientists continue to find new ways to use preexisting drugs for the treatment of complicated diseases. Research from Michigan State University demonstrates how metformin, commonly prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes, may help prevent the growth of breast cancer cells.
Based on epidemiological studies that suggested metformin can cut the risks for diabetes-associated cancers - including malignancies of the breast, liver and pancreas - researchers from MSU collaborated with scientists from South Korea's Seoul National University to determine the effects of the drug on tumor cells cultured in the laboratory.
For their experiment, the team grew breast tumors that contained active versions of the stem cell gene Oct4A. The cells were also stimulated by estrogen as well as man-made chemicals.
Results showed although the stimulating agents enhanced cell growth through different means, metformin hampered these external effects in all cases, as published in the journal PLoS One.
"While future studies are needed to understand the exact mechanism by which metformin works to reduce the growth of breast cancers, this study reveals the need to determine if the drug might be used as a preventive drug and for individuals who have no indication of any existing cancers," said researcher James Trosko.
Further research is also needed to see if metformin has any effects on other diabetes-associated cancers.
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