Metformin †Rx
Rx metabolic modulator: AMPK ↑, mTOR/IGF ↓, CSC ↓; strong epi/trial data for risk reduction in breast/colorectal/prostate/pancreatic.
Forms: Immediate-release tablets (500-1000 mg) · Extended-release tablets (500-750 mg)
Key Takeaway
Metabolic reprogrammer that activates AMPK, suppresses mTOR/insulin-IGF signaling, and targets cancer stem-cell phenotypes; broad human data (esp. in diabetics) show risk-reduction and outcome signals.
Evidence at a glance
Hundreds of epi studies + 50+ RCTs/meta; consistent risk reduction (OR 0.7-0.8); adjunct PFS/OS signals in breast (NCIC MA.32), prostate (MA.03); ongoing trials in pancreas/lung.
How it may work
Metformin lowers hepatic gluconeogenesis and circulating insulin/IGF-1, activating AMPK (↑AMP:ATP) and inhibiting mTORC1 (via TSC2/Rheb). Tumor-intrinsic effects include decreased protein synthesis, cell-cycle arrest, and CSC downshift (ALDH⁺/CD44⁺↓). It can sensitize tumors to chemo/radiation and may reduce recurrence risk in select cohorts.
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
Often studied / combined with
Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.
- Doxorubicin: Improved response and reduced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer.
- Curcumin: Amplified AMPK/mTOR effects in lung models.
- Resveratrol: Cooperative IGF/mTOR inhibition in colorectal cancer.
- Quercetin: Enhanced CSC targeting in prostate preclinical.
Overlapping mechanisms
- mTOR: Overlaps with rapalogs/metabolic agents; GI cumulative.
- AMPK: Redundant with salicylates/berberine; monitor glucose.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
Timing
- With-meal: Minimizes GI side effects.
- BID: Divided for steady glucose control.
References
- PMC5270304: Metformin in cancer prevention and treatment
- PMC10286395: AMPK/mTOR mechanisms in oncology
- PMC5772929: CSC modulation by metformin
- PMC4200664: Insulin/IGF-1 reduction and cancer risk
- DOI 10.3390/nu13082654: Synergy with doxorubicin in breast models
- PMC10221542: Combination with curcumin in lung cancer
Research
No published studies for Metformin yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Dose: as studied, not a recommendation
Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 500–2000 mg/day (po) divided BID; with meals, Diabetes standard 1000-2000 mg/day; oncology adjunct 500-1000 mg BID; ER form for GI tolerance; renal dosing critical..
Trials studying Metformin †Rx
No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →
Appears in these protocol claims
Metformin †Rx is named in these protocols discussed online. Listed for transparency: being part of a protocol is not evidence that it works, and OncoForge does not endorse them.
- Ivermectin / Benzimidazole Protocol Claims : Aggressive online protocols combining ivermectin with fenbendazole or mebendazole.
- Jane McLelland / Metabolic Blocking Claims : Multi-pathway metabolic strategy based around starving cancer fuel routes and blocking escape pathways.
- Care Oncology-Style Repurposed Drug Claims : Clinic-associated repurposed-drug approach often discussed around four common medications.
- Fasting-Mimicking Diet / Ketogenic / Press-Pulse Claims : Metabolic approaches focused on glucose, insulin, ketones, fasting stress, and treatment sensitivity.