Metformin is a medication that is prescribed for people with diabetes to help the body
respond better to its own insulin and decrease sugar production by the liver. This helps
control the body's blood sugar level and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for the treatment of diabetes. Participant's in this research study will already be
receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. ADT is considered standard
of care for prostate cancer. Changes in the participant's metabolism, including changes in
insulin and blood sugar levels, are often seen as a result of this type of hormone therapy.
Some studies have shown a relationship between insulin and prostate cancer. These studies
have suggested that insulin may signal tumor cells to grow. Other studies suggest that people
receiving metformin treatment for diabetes may enjoy better outcomes from their prostate
cancer then other similar patients who are not treated with metformin.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Massachusetts General Hospital
Collaborators:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Brigham and Women's Hospital Dana-Farber Cancer Institute