Beyond renoprotective impact; ameliorative effects of metformin on malignancies

Abstract

Diabetes therapies were associated with either a reduced or increased risk of cancer. There are continuous discussions about a possible protective action of metformin. In fact, metformin, a commonly consumed anti-diabetic medication has an ameliorative impact on some cancers by direct (preventing cell growth and apoptosis) and indirect (increasing insulin sensitivity) effects. Observational reports have suggested which metformin reduces the incidence of few common cancers. In general, metformin is an extensively recommended anti-diabetic medication with a recognized ability coupled with a satisfactory and safety profile and inexpensive. This review article considers reduction and protective abilities of metformin on cancers especially prostate, liver, breast, lung, and colon cancer.