Diabetes Drug May Fight Cancer

An existing diabetes drug called metformin appears to have anticancer potential. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic analyzed records from 600 patients with diabetes and lung cancer. Those who had been taking metformin prior to diagnosis were less likely to develop metastatic disease. Survival times were also improved for those patients taking this diabetes medicine. Metformin is an old drug. It was discovered in the early 1920s, derived from a type of compound found in French lilacs. It has been available in England since 1958. Researchers have noted that metformin has anti-tumor activity against breast, pancreatic, prostate and lung cancer cells. This is one of the first studies that suggest there may be clinical applications for metformin beyond diabetes.
[CHEST 2010 annual meeting, Vancouver, BC, Nov. 2, 2010]