Investig Clin Urol.  2016 May;57(3):157-164. 10.4111/icu.2016.57.3.157.

Potential role for metformin in urologic oncology

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Urology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada. neil.fleshner@uhn.ca

Abstract

Metformin is one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide. It is currently considered first-line pharmacological agent for management of diabetes mellitus type 2. Recent studies have suggested that metformin may have further benefits, especially in the field of urologic oncology. Use of metformin has been shown to be associated with decreased incidence and improved outcomes of prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer. These studies suggest that metformin does have a future role in the prevention and management of urologic malignancies. In this review, we will discuss the latest findings in this field and its implications on the management of urologic oncology patients.

Keyword

Kidney neoplasms; Metformin; Prostatic neoplasms; Urinary bladder neoplasms

MeSH Terms

Anticarcinogenic Agents/therapeutic use
Antineoplastic Agents/*therapeutic use
Carcinoma, Renal Cell/therapy
Humans
Kidney Neoplasms/therapy
Male
Metformin/*therapeutic use
Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/therapy
Urologic Neoplasms/*therapy
Anticarcinogenic Agents
Antineoplastic Agents
Metformin

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