Changes in insulin receptor signaling underlie neoadjuvant metformin administration in breast cancer: a prospective window of opportunity neoadjuvant study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The antidiabetic drug metformin exhibits potential anticancer properties that are believed to involve both direct (insulin-independent) and indirect (insulin-dependent) actions. Direct effects are linked to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and an inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR signaling, and indirect effects are mediated by reductions in circulating insulin, leading to reduced insulin receptor (IR)-mediated signaling. However, the in vivo impact of metformin on cancer cell signaling and the factors governing sensitivity in patients remain unknown.

Methods

We conducted a neoadjuvant, single-arm, "window of opportunity" trial to examine the clinical and biological effects of metformin on patients with breast cancer. Women with un

SUBMITTER: Dowling RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4381495 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature