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Diabetes Drug Cuts Cancer Risk by 36%
16 Mar
Summary
- A cheap diabetes drug, Metformin, may reduce esophageal cancer risk.
- The drug could lower the risk of developing the disease by 36%.
- Metformin is already used by millions for type 2 diabetes.
A common diabetes medication, Metformin, which is inexpensive at just 2p per tablet, shows promise in significantly reducing the risk of esophageal cancer. Recent studies published in JAMA Network Open indicate that Metformin could lower the risk of this deadly cancer by as much as 36%.
Researchers from Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm tracked over 13,000 esophageal cancer patients. Their findings suggest that individuals using Metformin had a lower incidence of the disease compared to non-users. This offers a potential new avenue for cancer prevention, particularly for those with a higher risk due to conditions like long-term acid reflux.
The drug's potential lies in its suggested ability to block cancer cell reproduction by lowering insulin levels. While further observational research and clinical trials are needed, these findings support exploring Metformin as a preventive option for high-risk individuals and potentially as an adjuvant treatment after curative care to improve survival rates.
