In some of our earlier posts, I have suggested that there is evidence that adding an older and inexpensive drug, Metformin, can provide some anticancer effects for men with prostate cancer. Metformin is an old standby drug commonly used to treat diabetes by controlling glucose blood levels.
A recent randomized controlled trial has confirmed that it also has a significant positive effect on men with prostate cancer.
The study showed when Metformin is added to the standard of care hormone therapy (ADT) in men with locally advanced and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC or prostate cancer that is still responsive to the ADT) that castrate-resistant prostate cancer-free survival (CRPC-FS) was significantly improved from 20 months to 29 months.
The study also indicated that men with locally advanced and low volume of disease derived the most benefit from Metformin.
In addition to being inexpensive, Metformin was very well tolerated. Metformin was not associated with significant adverse events apart from grade II diarrhea.
The study did not evaluate the use of Metformin in men with castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
Although not discussed in the literature, given that one of the more common adverse side effects of ADT is high blood sugar leading to metabolic issues like diabetes, Metformin might also have a positive effect in controlling metabolic problems.
Like I do, if you have low volume prostate cancer or locally advanced and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, discuss with your doctor adding Metformin to your ADT.
