A cheap, commonly used drug for diabetes can be effective support in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Scientists presented their research during the conference of the American Society for Cancer Research (AACR) in Chicago. They analyze like metformin, the most popular drug for diabetes in the world, affects the large intestinal cancer cells that are difficult to treat. Research is still at an early stage.
“Metformin can be an interesting addition to therapy,” says Holla Loomans-Kropp, a researcher dealing with the prevention of digestive system cancers from the Ohio State University, which manages the project. – We open the door to new possibilities – he adds.
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Earlier studies have shown that people taking metformin are less likely to suffer from colorectal cancer, which may suggest that the drug has a protective effect. The current study as one of the first checks whether metformin can also help in the fight against the disease when it develops.
The Loomans-Kropp syndrome observed in mobile farms that metformin can support cancer therapy as a supplement. She would not be strong enough to cure cancer, but she could support other treatment methods.
The researcher is particularly interested in the influence of metformin on cancer with the Mutation of the Kras gene, which are extremely difficult to treat. If her research brings positive results, you will need further tests on animals, and then on people before the medicine goes to oncologists.
The drug changes the way the body is used by the body
One of the greatest advantages of metformin as potential support in the treatment of cancer is its availability. This is cheap and widely used.
– I always ask myself: are there medicines that we already know, whose safety and toxicity are well documented, and which could be used for a new purpose? -says Loomans-Kropp.
Metformin is available as a generic medicine, and its price in the US is about 10-20 cents per tablet (i.e. approx. 0.38–0.76 PLN). It has already been thoroughly tested and used by millions of patients around the world. It is sometimes referred to as a “wonderful drug”. Not only because of its anti -diabetic effects, but also potential benefits in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and dementia.
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It works because it changes the way the body processes and produces sugar. Scientists suspect that its impact on metabolism can also explain the benefits in the context of aging, like exercises or post, Metformin supports the autophagy process, or “self -deduction” of cells. This may also mean that the drug limits cancer's possibilities of obtaining energy for growth.
– If Metformin can change the way the cells use energy, and thus – as they divide and multiply, it could be a path that is worth examining -explains Loomans-Kropp.
It is this ability to regulate cellular energy that attracts the attention of researchers dealing with longevity.
Dr Nir Barzilai, one of the leading experts in this field, believes that metformin can be a “appropriate” means in the prevention of cancer. He agrees with Loomans-Kropp that further research is needed.
“Let learning lead us “ -he wrote in the Business Insider e-mail.
If the results of cellular tests prove to be promising, Loomans-Kropp hopes that animal tests will start to start during the year.
The above text is a translation with American Business Insider edition
