Researchers at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (USA) discovered that metformin, a drug widely used in the treatment of type II diabetes, can enhance the effect of immunotherapy against non-small cell lung cancer in obese patients.
Oku.AzAccording to the information, the results of the scientific work were published in the “Journal of the National Cancer Institute.”
It turns out that the anticancer effect of metformin is observed only in overweight or obese patients, which is related to the characteristics of their immune response. Metformin is beneficial because it reduces the negative effects of obesity on the immune system, making immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy more effective.
The study analyzed data from 511 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher and 232 patients with a BMI less than 25. All participants had non-small cell lung cancer and underwent tumor resection. Additionally, the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was studied in 284 obese patients and 184 non-obese patients.
The analysis showed that patients taking metformin with a BMI of 25 or more had a significantly longer recurrence-free period after surgery. Furthermore, the use of metformin increased the effectiveness of immunotherapy in this group, while no such effects were observed in patients with normal weight.
The results obtained in animal models have confirmed that metformin compensates for the harmful effects of obesity on the immune system. This allows the immune system to respond more effectively to immunotherapeutic drugs and enhances their antitumor effect.
