The effect of metformin on survival of patients with pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: We conducted a meta-analysis to analyse the effect of metformin on survival of pancreatic cancer patients at various stages. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify all relevant studies. Summary hazard ratios (HR) of survival and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with a fixed or random effects model according to inter-study heterogeneity. Nine retrospective cohort studies and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible. There was a significant improvement in survival (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.97; P < 0.05) in the metformin group compared with control. Subgroup analysis indicated that metformin improved survival in patients with resection (HR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.91; P < 0.05) and patients with locally advanced

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5517652 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature