Metformin effects on head and neck squamous carcinoma microenvironment: Window of opportunity trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The tumor microenvironment frequently displays abnormal cellular metabolism, which contributes to aggressive behavior. Metformin inhibits mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, altering metabolism. Though the mechanism is unclear, epidemiologic studies show an association between metformin use and improved outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We sought to determine if metformin alters metabolism and apoptosis in HNSCC tumors.

Study design

Window of opportunity trial of metformin between diagnostic biopsy and resection. Participants were patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC. Fifty patients were enrolled, and 39 completed a full-treatment course. Metformin was titrated to standard diabetic dose (2,000 mg/day) for a course of 9 or more days prio

SUBMITTER: Curry J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5515672 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature