Volume 16, Issue 4 (December 2024 2024)                   Iranian Journal of Blood and Cancer 2024, 16(4): 56-68 | Back to browse issues page

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Ramezani S, Moslemi D, Firuzpour F, Didar H, Mazloumi S, rezaeiroushan N. Exploring the Basic Molecular Pathways: Metformin as a Potential Treatment Option for Pancreatic Cancer. Iranian Journal of Blood and Cancer 2024; 16 (4) :56-68
URL: http://ijbc.ir/article-1-1633-en.html
Exploring the Basic Molecular Pathways: Metformin as a Potential Treatment Option for Pancreatic Cancer
Sepehr Ramezani *1 , Dariush Moslemi2 , Faezeh Firuzpour2 , Hamidreza Didar3 , Seyedamirmohammad Mazloumi2 , Narjes Rezaeiroushan4
1- Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran. , sepehr.ramezany74@gmail.com
2- Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran.
3- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
4- Azad University Sari Branch Faculty of Medicine, Sari, Iran.
Abstract:   (378 Views)
Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies, with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, in modulating cancer risk and progression. This review aims to explore the current evidence on the impact of metformin on pancreatic cancer outcomes and its potential mechanisms of action.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies investigating the relationship between metformin use and pancreatic cancer. Inclusion criteria encompassed clinical trials, cohort studies, and laboratory research published in the last two decades. Data extraction focused on patient outcomes, metformin dosage, study design, and proposed mechanisms of action.
Results: The review indicates that metformin use is associated with improved overall survival and reduced cancer incidence in patients with pancreatic cancer, particularly among those with concurrent diabetes. Mechanistic studies suggest that metformin exerts its anticancer effects through the inhibition of the mTOR pathway, reduction of insulin-like growth factors, and induction of autophagy. However, the results are heterogeneous, and several studies highlight the need for further clinical trials to establish causality and optimal therapeutic regimens.
Conclusion: While current evidence supports a potentially beneficial role of metformin in pancreatic cancer management, the findings are preliminary and require further validation through randomized controlled trials. The heterogeneity of the studies underscores the necessity for standardized protocols to assess the efficacy and safety of metformin as an adjunct therapy in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Keywords: Metformin, Pancreatic Cancer, Molecular Pathways, Cancer Treatment, Cellular Energy, Metabolism
Full-Text [PDF 605 kb]   (136 Downloads)    
: Review Article | Subject: Adults Hematology & Oncology
Received: 2024/11/9 | Accepted: 2024/12/22 | Published: 2024/12/30
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