Metformin can prevent lung cancer

The drug metformin, still commonly used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes, may also work in preventing lung cancer.

It is the research results conducted by American scientists and presented at the 101th annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) held in Washington from 17-21 April. .

Metformin reduces the levels of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1) and insulin flow, which play an important role in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, metformin may be limited. The growth of tumors is very good.

Dr. Phillip A. Dennis of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCI) said that diabetes medications are licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent carcinogenesis. There are in cigarettes that cause lung tumors.

In his study, Dr. Dennis and colleagues treated mice with metformin within 13 weeks after exposure to NNK - the most common carcinogen in tobacco and also active substance. chemical lung tumors.

After giving the mice oral pills, metformin is relatively well absorbed and reduces about 40-50% of tumors.

Dr. Dennis said that the concentration of metformin was tested in mice ready to be tested in humans.

Metformin is considered to be the first treatment for obese or overweight patients with type 2 diabetes due to its main effect on insulin resistance.

Metformin has the outstanding advantage of not gaining weight and not causing low blood sugar.

The side effects of the drug may cause bloating, nausea, diarrhea . Metformin should be taken immediately after meals, not using metformin when there is kidney failure, liver failure, respiratory failure.