Lung Cancer Treatment With Diabetes Drug

Disorders Cure

oi-Suparna Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 9:52

Metformin, a drug used by millions of people who suffer diabetes may also help control progression of lung cancer.

According to the U.S researchers, this commonly used diabetes drug helps to control progression of lung cancer by reducing risk of advanced cancer and treats lung cancer among Diabetic patients.

Lung cancer is the No. 1 killer disease globally, killing 1.2 million people a year. Only 15 percent of people diagnosed with the cancer are still alive five years later, in part because the disease usually spreads silently for years before it causes clear enough symptoms to be detected.

For now, the researchers report that the diabetes drug appears to control the progression of lung cancer than do TZDs ( Thiazolidinediones). Patients who had taken the drugs to control diabetes were much less likely to have lung cancer spread which is when it becomes most deadly.

Metformin, an older and cheaper drug available generically, had a more powerful effect than newer drugs called thiazolidinediones, TZDs or glitazones. This diabetes drug is typically, the first choice for a diabetic patient beginning drug treatment. It's been around for decades and is considered a very safe drug. Other advantages include the fact that it doesn't cause weight gain, as do some other diabetes medications.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.