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Therapeutic effects of metformin in breast cancer: involvement of the immune system?

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Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Breast cancer and associated diabetes mellitus have gained raising interest as an elevated risk of breast cancer prognosis resulting in increased mortality in diabetic patients. In this context, the long-acting insulin analog glargine and other antidiabetics have been discussed to promote tumorigenesis. In contrast, the biguanide class oral antidiabetic metformin has been shown capable of enhancing cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis as well as reducing growth factor signaling. Consequently, several studies are underway to evaluate a possible role of metformin in breast cancer treatment. Although mechanisms involved are not definitely clear yet, here, we discuss metformin’s anticancer effects including the potential impact of the immune system.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, National Center of Tumor Diseases, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Voßstraße 9, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany

    Sarah Schott, Florian Schuetz, Andreas Schneeweiss, Christof Sohn & Christoph Domschke

  2. Department of Endocrinology and Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 671, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Angelika Bierhaus

  3. Division of Translational Immunology, Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), INF 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Philipp Beckhove

Authors
  1. Sarah Schott
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  2. Angelika Bierhaus
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  3. Florian Schuetz
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  4. Philipp Beckhove
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  5. Andreas Schneeweiss
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  7. Christoph Domschke
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Correspondence to Christoph Domschke.

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Schott, S., Bierhaus, A., Schuetz, F. et al. Therapeutic effects of metformin in breast cancer: involvement of the immune system?. Cancer Immunol Immunother 60, 1221–1225 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-011-1062-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-011-1062-y

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