A Narrative Review: Repurposing Metformin as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Oral Cancer

Jui Hsiang Li, Pei Yi Hsin, Yung Chia Hsiao, Bo Jun Chen, Zhi Yun Zhuang, Chiang Wen Lee, Wei Ju Lee, Thi Thuy Tien Vo, Chien Fu Tseng, Shih Fen Tseng, I. Ta Lee

研究成果: 雜誌貢獻回顧型文獻同行評審

3 引文 斯高帕斯(Scopus)

摘要

Oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is a significant global health challenge because of its high incidence and limited treatment options. Major risk factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and specific microbiota, contribute to the disease’s prevalence. Recently, a compelling association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and oral cancer has been identified, with metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, emerging as a potential therapeutic agent across various cancers, including OSCC. This review explores both preclinical and clinical studies to understand the mechanisms by which metformin may exert its anticancer effects, such as inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and enhancing the efficacy of existing treatments. Preclinical studies demonstrate that metformin modulates crucial metabolic pathways, reduces inflammation, and impacts cellular proliferation, thereby potentially lowering cancer risk and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, metformin’s ability to reverse epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), regulate the LIN28/let-7 axis, and its therapeutic role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are examined through experimental models. In clinical contexts, metformin shows promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and reducing recurrence rates, although challenges such as drug interactions, complex dosing regimens, and risks such as vitamin B12 deficiency remain. Future research should focus on optimizing metformin’s application, investigating its synergistic effects with other therapies, and conducting rigorous clinical trials to validate its efficacy in OSCC treatment. This dual exploration underscores metformin’s potential to play a transformative role in both diabetes management and cancer care, potentially revolutionizing oral cancer treatment strategies.
原文英語
文章編號3017
期刊Cancers
16
發行號17
DOIs
出版狀態已發佈 - 9月 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • 腫瘤科
  • 癌症研究

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