Metformin and Breast Cancer Treatment
I am here to educate. I am very focused on how we can improve our healthspan. For women, particularly those at risk for breast cancer or those who want to do hormone treatment after menopause but are worried about the increase in breast cancer risk, are there things we can do to mitigate risk?
In my studies in the depths of PubMed (scientific journal published articles), I have found a treasure trove of information on Metformin and its possible benefits.
PLEASE KNOW THIS IS CONTROVERSIAL. Read my other blogs on the subject, as there is conflicting information out there, and this may not be for everyone. But these are results from published studies, many in experimental mice models. They are interesting and I think bear a listen.
- Metformin may enhance the tumoricidal effects of treatments and delay or reverse drug resistance in breast cancer. In mice, studies have shown a synergy when metformin was combined with chemotherapeutic agents.
- It has changed how sugar is used in cells. These changes in glucose metabolism like glucose uptake, hyperactivated glycolysis, decreased oxidative phosphorylation, and the accumulation of lactate.
- It has targeted inhibitors of key things in the cell which make it run- enzymes, mitochondria, and transporters- which may help “resensitize” the cell to chemo effects.
- A combination of metformin the chemo has been shown to prevent tumor relapse in mice models.
- Metformin has been shown to reduce HER2 in breast cancer cells which overexpress it.
- Metformin has been shown to overcome resistance to anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies.
- Metformin can target mitochondria, to increase oxygen in tumor cells. This may help in cells which are radiation resistant. It may also be acting in other ways in cancer cells to help.
This article concluded that Metformin may help in those who have chemo resistant or radiation resistant cancer cells.
Metformin, this simple, old, cheap medication, may help in ways we don’t fully understand. I will keep reading and educating on this, as I think there is *something* real here.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical condition.