Introduction
Kidney cancer also called renal cell carcinoma is a that has been estimated to cost the lives of a number of people across the globe. The current forms of treatment of this disease include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. But, people are alive today and continue to look for better ways for people to receive kidney cancer treatment.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Understanding Metformin
3. Kidney Cancer: An Overview
4. The Link between Metformin and Kidney Cancer
5. Mechanisms of Action
6. Research and Clinical Studies
7. Potential Benefits of Metformin in Kidney Cancer Treatment
8. Risks and Limitations
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ
Understanding Metformin
Metformin belongs in a class of drugs taken for the treatment of Type II diabetes mellitus. This is an oral antidiabetic drug that enhances the sport of insulin and the capacity to take up glucose in the muscle and decrease the amount of glucose that the liver manufactures. In addition to its use in diabetes therapy, new findings revealed that metformin may have some therapeutic significance in cancer treatment.
Kidney Cancer: An Overview
Kidney cancer begins in the two bean-shaped organs called kidneys that filters waste products from the blood and makes urine. Renal cell carcinoma is the most frequent type of renal cancer and is found in about eighty five percent of cases. This form of cancer has often proved difficult to manage and therefore calls for further research in to possible treatments.
The Link between Metformin and Kidney Cancer
Current evidence shows a probable negative correlation between the administration of metformin and the probability of getting a kidney cancer. Several epidemiological investigations have claimed that metformin users for type 2 diabetes have a lower risk of RCC [kidney cancer]. Moreover, the effects of metformin have been studied in relation to tumour progression and death rates of patients with kidney cancer.
Mechanisms of Action
Some of the ways by which metformin has been postulated to exert its anticancer effects are still unknown. Still, there are some tentative ways how it might happen. Metformin may suppress tumor cell growth, stimulate apoptosis and control angiogenesis or growth of new blood vessels which supply tumors with nutrients. Also, metformin has demonstrated potential in increasing the efficacy of other kinds of treatment in cancer.
Research and Clinical Studies
Many experimental and clinical investigations have been devoted to the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of metformin in managing kidney cancer. These have yielded encouraging evidence of slowing or stopping of tumor growth; enhancing survival rates and capacity to respond to standard treatments when integrated with metformin. However, these findings suggest that to advance metformin as a desirable and routine method of treatment further and more comprehensive studies should be conducted.
Potential Benefits of Metformin in Kidney Cancer Treatment
The potential advantages of supplementing metformin in the therapy of kidney cancer are quite numerous. Metformin’s action on multiple molecular targets related to cancer development and progression appeals to the concept of combination therapy. Furthermore, enhanced safety profiles and lower costs, particularly are seen in metformin long term strategies might work to serve the purpose of patient’s needs.
Risks and Limitations
However, like any medication, there are possible risks or a limit to the use of metformin. The side effects that may be experienced include; gastrointestinal upset; diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. Very occasional side-effects may involve lactic acidosis which is a dangerous situation that warrants a visit to the doctor. In addition, side effects of metformin also depend of individual peculiarities, therefore, its administration should be more personalized and cautious.
Conclusion
Although the studies are limited and only in the experimental phase, metformin has shown initial potential for being used as an adjuvant therapy in kidney cancer. Current research data indicate that metformin could possess anticancer properties by several ways. However, more and larger RCTs as well as mechanistic investigation are needed to confirm such conclusion and to identify the right place of metformin in the management of kidney cancer.
FAQ
1. Can metformin alone treat kidney cancer?
At the present juncture, metformin alone is not regarded as a cure for kidney cancer. But if it were to be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy could have benefits to it.
2. Is there any other better borne to give together with metformin in treating kidney cancer?
Other forms of treatment for kidney cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. General information about the use of Metformin should be given with support obtained from a medical practitioner.
3. Should all kidney cancer patients opt for metformin?
It is likely that metformin is not feasible for all patients diagnosed with kidney cancer. Some conditions including medical history, other treatments, and general health should be observed before starting on metformin. You should, therefore, share this with your doctor.
