Volume 29, Issue 162, August 2025

Metformin in Oncology- Its Effect on Cancer Development and Progression

Mateusz Marciniak^1♦, Adam Torbicki², Michał Korpalski³, Maria Pawluczyk⁴, Krzysztof Pawlikowski⁵, Marek Żygłowicz⁶, Dominik Augustyn⁷, Piotr Gaworek⁸, Alicja Trybuła⁹

¹Provincial Multi-Specialist Center of Oncology and Traumatology Pabianicka 62, 93-513 Łódź, Poland
²Nicolaus Copernicus Hospital, COPERNICUS Medical Entity limited liability company under Polish law, Nowe Ogrody 1/6 Street, 80-803 Gdańsk, Poland
³Dr. Tytus Chałubiński Radom Specialist Hospital, Adolfa Tochtermana 1 Street, 26-610 Radom, Poland
⁴District Hospital in Sochaczew, Batalionów Chłopskich 3/7 Street, 96-500 Sochaczew, Poland
⁵University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
⁶Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Złota Jesień 1 Street, 31-826 Kraków, Poland
⁷Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Złota Jesień 1 Street, 31-826 Kraków, Poland
⁸Międzyleski Specialist Hospital in Warsaw, Bursztynowa 2 Street, 04-749 Warsaw, Poland
⁹Kazimierz Pułaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom: Radom, Mazovia, PL Jacka Malczewskiego 29, 26-600 Radom, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Mateusz Marciniak, Provincial Multi-Specialist Center of Oncology and Traumatology Pabianicka 62, 93-513 Łódź, Poland

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This review examines the mechanisms and role of action of metformin in oncology, highlighting its potential as an anti-cancer drug beyond its primary use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The article discusses the molecular pathways affected by metformin, as well as its clinical applications in various cancers, and synergistic effects with conventional therapies. Materials and Methods: The review synthesizes key preclinical and clinical studies on the anti-cancer properties of metformin, on its effects on metabolic pathways, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. We analyzed data on breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. Results and discussion: Metformin exhibits multi-directional anti-cancer effects, including inhibition of tumor growth, inhibition of angiogenesis, and enhancement of response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Epidemiological studies have reported that cancer risk is reduced and prognosis improved in diabetes patients treated with metformin. Future work regarding dosing and patient selection is discussed. Conclusions: Metformin is a very interesting drug in the oncologic context, as it may be helpful not only for prevention, but also as adjuvant to treatment. Additional clinical studies should evaluate its integration with other existing therapies and its potential place in personalized cancer therapy.

Keywords: metformin, mTOR, oncology, IGF-1, tumor

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e132ms3665

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i162.e132ms3665

Published: 18 August 2025