Posted on 08/15/2023 6:54:44 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Patients with localized prostate cancer have a good chance of survival, but mortality rates among those with advanced, metastatic forms of the condition remain high. Until now, the precise mechanism behind the spread of the tumor has not been fully explained.
But a research team has succeeded in decoding the underlying cellular signal pathway and has carried out research using a common diabetes medication that could provide a new treatment option.
The research team examined prostate cancer cells and identified the key factors in the regulation of tumor cell growth and the way they interact with each other. The protein signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays the leading role—its activation by another protein called interleukin 6 (IL6) has been a focus for cancer researchers.
"Interestingly, our study showed that permanent activation of STAT3 prevents the development of prostate cancer as well as the development and spread of metastases. Conversely, we discovered that the loss of the signal pathway between STAT3 and IL6 in the prostate can lead to massive tumor growth and metastasis," explained Lukas Kenner.
The researchers also found that activation of STAT3 in the prostate leads to increased levels of cell components (LKB1/pAMPK) that are responsible for the regulation of glucose metabolism and are linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus. The proteins LKB1/pAMPK block certain cancer molecules (mTOR and CREB) and as a result also stop the tumor growing.
"In light of this finding, we used a common diabetes drug in our research," said Kenner. Kenner and his team discovered that the active ingredient metformin, which is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes to regulate glucose levels, can significantly slow the progression of STAT3-positive prostate cancer, a condition with a metabolism that is very similar to type 2 diabetes.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
However, I do wonder if a good diet and exercise would have prevented what this addresses. Regardless, if it helps once you get this form of advanced prostate cancer, by all means, augment with it.
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Regular exercise has cancer prevention benefits in my opinion.
I briefly took metformin several years ago, and it exacerbated abdominal problems. I've been taking oral diabetic medications since 2000, and metformin is the only one I had problems with.
My sister-in-law's family doctor put her on metformin years ago, and never required her to test her blood sugar since she's been on it. Last year she went into a diabetic coma, because she was too stupid to know that if you don't eat anything, you shouldn't be taking diabetic medication without testing your blood sugar to see if you need it. She could have died. She also had stomach issues the whole time she took it. Had the runs for years taking it.
I’ve seen articles about Metformin in cancer studies. Metformin was found to reduce (prevent) some cancers by 50%.
I have Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. Diagnosed almost 9 years ago. Was diagnosed with type II diabetes at the same time. I’ve known about the positive effects about Metformin for over 8 years.
Also a higher level of Vitamin D3 helps prevent prostate cancer and slows the growth of it.
It’s been almost 9 years, and my PSA has been undetectable for almost 5 years.
Also do not have either the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genetic defects. That’s a huge plus for treatment.
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