Listen to a blog summary of an editorial published in Volume 14 of Oncotarget, entitled, "Obesity paradox and lung cancer, metformin-based therapeutic opportunity?"
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The strong correlation between obesity and a myriad of life-limiting diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, is widely recognized and acknowledged in the research community. A less defined correlation is that between obesity, diabetes and lung cancer. Whether this association is directly causal or if there are underlying contributing factors is not yet clear.
“Although obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been associated with lung cancer (LC) development, several confounding factors, such as chronic inflammation, high insulin levels, microbiome, as well as the oncogenic potential of growth and sexual hormones, have introduced uncertainty and avoid the fully recognition of this relationship [1, 2].”
Given the existence of this association, scientists are testing therapeutic regimens that may have the potential to fight all three issues — together. Metformin, a drug commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, helps lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver. The metabolic-modifying properties of metformin aid in treating diabetes and obesity. Metformin has also garnered attention for its potential anti-aging properties and may hold promise for treating age-related diseases, including cancer. Lately, there has been growing interest in testing metformin in combination therapies to combat cancer-promoting conditions induced by obesity.
The "Obesity Paradox"
While the link between morbidity and obesity may seem cut-and-dry, researchers have discovered a surprising trend. The "obesity paradox" suggests that, in certain instances, individuals classified as overweight or mildly obese seem to fare better or have a survival advantage compared to those with normal weight or even underweight counterparts. This paradox has been particularly observed in certain chronic illnesses, such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and even in the context of aging. Researchers are still striving to understand the underlying mechanisms driving this phenomenon.
Full blog: https://www.oncotarget.org/2023/07/27/the-obesity-paradox-metformin-and-lung-cancer/
Paper DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28432
Corresponding author: Oscar Arrieta - ogarrieta@gmail.com
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Keywords - metformin, tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, BMI, EGFR, obesity paradox
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