| Metformin is one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with the advantages
of convenient use, good efficacy, safety, inexpensive and small side effects. Epidemiological studies suggest that metformin may reduce
the cancer risks and overall cancer mortality. Recent studies in vitro and in vivo indicate that metformin inhibits cancer cell growth and
reduces cancer risk. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects on cancer are not clear yet, mainly including insulin-IGF
axis, AMPK pathway, regulation of microRNAs expression, caspase family activation, blockage of AGE-RAGE system, and et al. These
molecular mechanisms may provide an important theoretical basis for metformin to prevent and treat cancer in the future. Here, we
pooled data currently available to comprehensively review the antitumor effects and the molecular mechanisms of metformin, an antidiabetic
drug. |
