Metformin in Locally Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Two randomized trials found no benefit, and possibly harm, from the addition of metformin to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Metformin is proposed to suppress tumor growth through metabolic stress caused by inhibition of the mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation chain. In preclinical non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) models, metformin enhances tumor response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, epidemiologic studies suggest improved survival in patients with locally advanced (LA) NSCLC who take metformin for diabetes. Two recent phase 2 trials examined use of metformin in patients with LA-NSCLC and without diabetes.

In the NRG-LU001 trial, 167 patients with inoperable LA-NSCLC were randomized to receive either radiation (60 Gy) plus concurrent weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, followed by two cycles of consolidative chemotherapy every 3 w…

Reviewing Author

Jyoti D. Patel, MD, FASCO

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardTakeda; AstraZeneca; AnHeart; Lilly; AbbVie; Blueprint; Gilead; Sanofi; Daiichi Sankyo; Genentech

Jyoti D. Patel, MD, FASCO

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardTakeda; AstraZeneca; AnHeart; Lilly; AbbVie; Blueprint; Gilead; Sanofi; Daiichi Sankyo; Genentech

Metformin in Locally Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

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Reviewing Author