Metformin is widely used to manage type 2 diabetes, but new research suggests it may also help the immune system fight cancer. A study from the University of Helsinki, published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, has uncovered how metformin can boost immune cells, making them better at recognizing and attacking cancer cells.
How Metformin Helps the Immune System Fight Cancer
Researchers, led by Rita Turpin and Juha Klefström, focused on dendritic cells, a type of immune cell that plays a crucial role in identifying threats like cancer. These cells act as messengers, alerting the immune system to attack harmful invaders.
The study found that metformin alters the metabolism of dendritic cells, making them more active. This heightened activity strengthens the body’s immune response, giving it a better chance of targeting and eliminating cancer cells.
Testing Metformin on Breast Cancer Tissue
To study metformin’s effects, the researchers used patient-derived explant cultures, which are living breast cancer tissue samples containing both cancer cells and immune cells. This method allows scientists to observe how treatments affect cancer in a natural environment.
These cultures provided valuable insights into how metformin enhances immune activity within tumors, making it a promising option for future cancer treatments.
Why This Research Matters
This study is part of a growing effort to find new ways to boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Traditional treatments like chemotherapy often weaken immune cells, but metformin appears to support and activate them instead.
One major advantage of metformin is that it is already widely used, affordable, and well-tolerated. If further research confirms its benefits, it could be repurposed as an immune-boosting cancer treatment.
The Role of Patients in Cancer Research
The success of this research is made possible by breast cancer patients who donate tumor samples. Their contributions are crucial for advancing new therapies and understanding how different treatments affect cancer cells and the immune system.
What’s Next?
This study opens the door to further investigations into combining metformin with other immune-activating treatments. Future research may also explore whether metformin can help treat different types of cancer beyond breast cancer.
The findings highlight metformin’s potential to go beyond diabetes treatment and play a role in cancer immunotherapy, offering hope for new and more effective treatment strategies.
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