Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Metformin in Head and Neck Cancer: A Concise Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a complex affection. Nowadays, conventional treatments are associated with many side effects, reducing the patient's quality of life. Recent studies suggest that metformin, a first-line treatment for diabetes, could decrease cancer incidence and improve cancer-related survival rates.

Methods

This systematic review summarizes important data from studies evaluating metformin's contribution to preventing and treating HNC.

Results

The results suggest a protective effect of metformin in HNC. However, no consensus has been found on its therapeutic effects. Metformin seems to confer an improved cancer-related survival rate in a diabetic population, but compared to a non-diabetic population, the review could not identify any advantages

SUBMITTER: Bouland C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10573641 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature