Research into diabetes drug metformin as potential cancer treatment

A new study is investigating whether the diabetes drug, metformin, has the potential to prevent cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes, it has been revealed. The research, by scientists at the University of Oxford and funded by the charity Diabetes UK, aims to determine if there is a connection between taking metformin and a reduction in the risk of cancer for those with type 2 diabetes .
Other studies have shown that metformin could reduce the risk of cancer by up to 30 per cent in those with type 2 diabetes, but supporting evidence has so far been lacking, which is the intention of this study. The researchers hope to develop a way of combating the increased risk of cancer, as well as other complications of diabetes .
Lead researcher, Richard Stevens, said “The complications of diabetes are commonly thought of in terms of the heart, eyes, nerves and kidneys . However some people with diabetes could also be at higher risk of developing cancer than those without the condition.”
Iain Framen, director of research at Diabetes UK, also commented “While there are various approaches to minimise the effects diabetes can have on specific organs, little is known about what preventative measures can reduce the risk people with diabetes face of developing some forms of cancer.”
He added “If it is found that metformin can help to reduce the risk people with Type 2 diabetes have of developing cancer, then this will be a big step forward in terms of how we can help people manage the condition and hopefully allow us to develop a means to tackle the increased risk for all people with diabetes.”