Metformin, a common therapy used to treat high blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes, has been linked to a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancers, according to a study published in Blood Advances. Previous meta-analyses and retrospective studies have suggested that metformin users have a lower risk of gastrointestinal, breast, and urologic cancers, as well as solid and hematological cancers. The researchers behind the current study were interested in exploring the potential anti-inflammatory effects of metformin, as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are inflammatory diseases.
MPNs are a group of diseases that affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets that can result in various health complications. The researchers compared metformin use among individuals diagnosed with MPNs and a matched population from the Danish general population between 2010 and 2018. They found that individuals with MPN who had taken metformin had a lower risk of developing the condition compared to those who had not taken the therapy. The protective effect of metformin was observed across all subtypes of MPN, particularly in individuals who had been taking the medication for more than five years.
The study, conducted by researchers from Aarhus University Hospital and Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark, revealed a strong association between long-term metformin use and a reduced risk of developing MPNs. The researchers were surprised by the magnitude of the association observed in the data and emphasized the clinical significance of taking metformin for an extended period of time, given that MPNs typically develop over a long duration. However, the study was limited by its retrospective design and could not account for lifestyle factors that may influence cancer risk, such as smoking, obesity, and dietary habits.
Although the exact mechanism by which metformin protects against the development of MPNs remains unclear, the researchers hope that future studies will shed light on this relationship. In their next steps, the researchers plan to investigate whether similar trends are observed in other blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia, using population-level data. Overall, the findings suggest that metformin may have a potential role in cancer prevention, particularly in individuals at risk of developing MPNs.
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of metformin on cancer prevention, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of this common therapy beyond its primary use in managing blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. By uncovering the association between metformin use and a reduced risk of developing MPNs, the study highlights the importance of exploring the diverse effects of commonly prescribed medications to identify additional benefits for patients. Further research in this area could lead to improved strategies for cancer prevention and treatment in the future.