Most medicines have only one or two uses, but some are remarkably versatile. One of these is metformin, a drug that is used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. Justifiably, it is widely prescribed for that problem. But its usefulness extends far beyond diabetes. One reader wrote about another somewhat unexpected benefit of taking the diabetes drug metformin.
Does the Diabetes Drug Metformin Control Thyroid Nodules?
Q. My endocrinologist has prescribed the diabetes drug metformin to control thyroid nodules and prevent thyroid cancer. I am not diabetic, so my other doctors wonder why I would be taking metformin. Is there any evidence that metformin has anticancer benefits?
A. Your endocrinologist is keeping up with medical research. A review in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology (Nov. 14, 2017) discusses the anticancer activity of metformin, particularly with respect to thyroid cancer.
There is also evidence that this drug can reduce thyroid nodules and may both prevent and help treat thyroid cancer. A systematic review concluded that metformin might be helpful in treating colorectal and prostate cancer as well (Coyle et al, Annals of Oncology, Dec, 2016).
Other Readers’ Experience:
Keep in mind that risk reduction is based on statistics. Nothing that we know of prevents cancer in everybody.
Everett wrote of his disappointment:
My dermatologist just did a full-body inspection and found a squamous cell cancer on my forehead. I’ve been taking metformin for two years, so in my opionion, its anticancer activity is overrated.”
Lyn cautioned:
Metformin does have negative side effects for some people. Be sure to check with your physician in light of your own medical history before you jump into taking it.”
You can read more about metformin side effects and how to overcome them here. If you have had experience taking the diabetes drug metformin to prevent or treat cancer, please tell us about it in the comment section below.
7/5/18 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/will-diabetes-drug-metformin-also-help-your-lungs/
