METformin And Longevity (METAL)-Version One
Research type
Research Study
Full title
METformin And Longevity (METAL)- A window of opportunity study investigating the biological effects of metformin in localised prostate cancer
IRAS ID
151495
Contact name
Jackie Pullen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation NHS Trust
Eudract number
2014-005193-11
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common male cancer in the UK and is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths,accounting for 11,000 deaths in men in the UK annually. The aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PCa is not as thoroughly researched compared to breast, lung and colorectal cancer,despite being a significant burden on patients and public health finances.
Recently, metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of metabolic disorders including high blood pressure, obesity, glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes) and raised blood lipids, has been linked to a more aggressive form of PCa in some men. However, the exact mechanism underpinning this has not been well defined.
Metformin, a commonly used anti-diabetic drug, has been associated with reduced PCa risk, possibly through its ability to influence MetS. However, the exact mechanism by which Metformin effects prostate cancer tissue remains unknown.
In this two-year study we will investigate how tumour components are affected by Metformin using prostate tissue taken from participant's original biopsy and their prostatectomies. Eligible patients will have localised prostate cancer and be scheduled for a prostatectomy within 4 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Metformin or a placebo on a daily basis. Tissue from before and after surgery will then be used in order to identify changes in selected markers,important in prostate cancer progression. This study will aid in identifying Metformin as a potentially suitable therapeutic treatment of PCa and add to the existing understanding on how it exerts any anti-cancer effect.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0290
Date of REC Opinion
31 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion