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Metformin may reduce the risk of diabetes-associated cancers, including breast cancer. Michigan State University pediatrics professor James Trosko and colleagues from South Korea's Seoul National University focused on the concept that cancers originate from adult human stem cells and that there are many natural and man-made chemicals that enhance the growth of breast cancer cells. The researchers tested this concept by growing miniature human breast tumors, or mammospheres, which are activated by a certain stem cell gene. The team found that estrogen and the chemicals caused the mammospheres to increase in numbers and size; however, the numbers and size of the mammospheres were dramatically reduced when metformin was added. "People with Type 2 diabetes are known to be at high risk for several diabetes-associated cancers, such as breast, liver and pancreatic cancers." "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," he said. Nov. 2011 PLoS One. |
