This 2022 review explores the complex role of metformin, a widely used antidiabetic agent, in cancer therapy. Metformin activates the AMPK pathway and inhibits mitochondrial complex I, leading to reduced ATP production and downstream inhibition of mTOR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. These actions result in decreased tumor cell proliferation and
This 2022 population-based study analyzed data from 143,035 men aged 65 and older using SEER-Medicare records from 2007–2015. It found that pre-diagnostic use of metformin and testosterone replacement therapy (TTh), both independently and jointly, was associated with significantly reduced incidence of prostate and colorectal cancers. The combination therapy yielded the
This 2014 preclinical study investigates the combined effects of metformin and tamoxifen on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells. The combination therapy significantly inhibited cell proliferation, DNA replication, colony formation, and induced apoptosis more effectively than either agent alone. Mechanistically, the enhanced effects are associated with activation of the AMPK
This 2019 review explores drug repurposing as a cost-effective and time-saving strategy in oncology, highlighting its potential to expedite the development of cancer treatments. The authors discuss several non-oncologic drugs—such as artesunate, aspirin, cimetidine, doxycycline, ivermectin, metformin, rapamycin, and thalidomide—that exhibit anticancer properties through mechanisms like apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition,
This 2017 review explores targeting the Warburg effect—a metabolic hallmark where cancer cells favor glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation, leading to an acidic tumor microenvironment. The authors propose a therapeutic strategy combining metabolic modulators (e.g., dichloroacetate, metformin) and pH regulators to disrupt cancer cell metabolism and restore pH balance. Preclinical studies
This 2019 review highlights the pivotal role of mitochondria in sustaining cancer stem cells (CSCs), focusing on their metabolic adaptability, regulation of apoptosis, and maintenance of stemness traits that contribute to tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance. The article examines the rationale for targeting mitochondrial function as a therapeutic strategy, with
This prospective single-arm “window of opportunity” trial evaluated the biological effects of short-term metformin administration in 39 non-diabetic women with early-stage breast cancer. Patients received 500 mg of metformin three times daily for at least two weeks between diagnostic biopsy and surgery. Metformin treatment led to significant reductions in tumor
This 2022 narrative review examines the associations between statin use, omega-3 fatty acid intake, and prostate cancer (PCa) risk and progression. Statins have been linked to a reduced incidence of advanced PCa and may decrease the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) post-treatment. However, their impact on BCR and PCa progression
This 2018 review examines several adjunct therapies for pancreatic cancer that have shown promise in preclinical models and retrospective studies. Paricalcitol, a vitamin D analog, disrupts the tumor stroma, enhancing drug delivery. Hydroxychloroquine inhibits autophagy, a survival mechanism in cancer cells. Intravenous vitamin C induces cytotoxic hydrogen peroxide accumulation in
This 2012 review explores the potential of repurposing widely used non-oncology drugs to reduce breast cancer mortality. The authors analyze observational data indicating that medications like aspirin, statins, metformin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and digoxin may lower breast cancer-specific death rates by 25–50%. Proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects (aspirin), lipid-lowering and
