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Common Diabetes Medication May Help Prevent Skin Cancer

A recent study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that metformin, a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, may offer protection against the two most prevalent types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The research showed that individuals using metformin had a significantly lower risk of developing these skin cancers, suggesting that the drug could play a role in reducing the occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Led by Dr. Tiffany Libby from Brown University, the study strengthens the hypothesis that metformin has potential as a protective agent against skin cancer. Previous research had also indicated that metformin might lower the risk of skin cancer, adding to the growing body of evidence supporting this theory. Metformin works by regulating several mechanisms that may block cancer cells from acquiring the energy and nutrients they need to grow, and it may also prevent the proliferation of these cells.

The study analyzed data from more than 8,000 patients diagnosed with basal cell cancer and over 4,100 with squamous cell cancer. Researchers compared these patients to a control group of healthy individuals, taking into account factors such as age, race, ethnicity, and sex. After adjusting for other medications that could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer, they found that metformin use was associated with a lower risk of skin cancer in the study participants.

However, the study found that metformin did not have the same protective effect for Black patients against squamous cell cancers. This discrepancy was attributed to the fact that squamous cell cancer in Black patients often develops in sun-protected areas and is more closely linked to chronic scarring and inflammation—factors that may not be influenced by metformin.

The researchers believe that metformin’s protective effect may stem from its ability to block cancer cell growth, promote the death of unhealthy cells, reduce inflammation, and enhance immune responses against cancer cells. While these findings are promising, the study concludes that additional research is needed to explore metformin’s potential as a chemopreventive treatment for skin cancers.