Diabetes Drug May Help Prevent CancerA study of 6000 persons taking metformin, a drug used to treat type II diabetes since the late 1950s, found that the risk of cancerous tumours was reduced by 25% for those taking metformin, compared to those with diabetes taking other medications or no medication at all. Researchers believe the protective effect is due to the fact that the drug switches on an enzyme called AMPK, which tricks cancer cells into out-growing their available energy supplies. Despite being the most widely used drug for people with the condition, it is only recently that we have learnt how it works. The possibility that it may have beneficial effects beyond diabetes control is very exciting indeed. More studies are needed before these finding can be put to use, but it is hoped that the long record of the drug's safety will speed the process for getting it approved for other uses. It may be useful for treating cancer-survivors to help prevent recurrence, for example. Of course it may be that this drugs effect on blood sugar levels will make it less desirable for use with patients who do not have diabetes, but it shows the way. A closely related drug may be developed that stimulates the AMPK enzyme without affecting blood sugar, if further studies confirm that that is indeed the mechanism at work. |
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