Diabetes drug metformin may echo the benefits of exercise in prostate cancer care

Key Points:

• A study from the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center found that metformin, a diabetes drug, can mimic exercise's biological effects by raising levels of the molecule N-lactoyl-phenylalanine (Lac-Phe) in men with prostate cancer, even when inactive.
• Lac-Phe, which typically increases after intense exercise and is linked to energy balance and weight control, was elevated in prostate cancer patients taking metformin, suggesting the drug may help counter metabolic strain caused by hormone therapy.
• The study highlights that metformin’s metabolic benefits are distinct from its anti-tumor effects, as Lac-Phe levels did not correlate with prostate-specific antigen changes, indicating the drug supports metabolic health rather than directly impacting tumor growth.
• Researchers emphasize that while metformin cannot replace physical activity, understanding how it activates exercise-related metabolic pathways could improve patient care by helping maintain strength and quality of life during cancer treatment.
• The findings underscore the importance of addressing metabolic health in cancer therapy, suggesting that drugs like metformin may provide therapeutic support to patients who are limited in their ability to exercise due to treatment side effects.