Survival benefits of metformin for colorectal cancer patients with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several studies suggest that metformin has the potential effect of reducing cancer risk. However, its survival benefit in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and diabetes is unknown. The aim of our study is to address the effect of metformin on outcomes for CRC based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods and findings

We searched EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception through August, 2013, using search terms related to metformin, diabetes, colorectal cancer, and prognostic outcome. The outcome measures were hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs comparing CRC survival in diabetic patients using metformin and without using metformin. The primary end points were overall survival (OS) and CRC specific survival (CS). A total of six cohort studies including

SUBMITTER: Mei ZB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3960145 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature