Metformin review links diabetes drug to lower prostate cancer risk
A systematic review found metformin use in type 2 diabetes patients was associated with lower prostate cancer rates, alongside heart and brain benefits.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
2 min read
Metformin was associated with lower prostate cancer rates in a systematic review of research on people with type 2 diabetes, according to the University of Otago. The finding adds a cancer signal to evidence that the diabetes drug is linked with lower mortality, cardiovascular disease and dementia risk.
The review, published in Rejuvenation Research, examined studies from the past 10 years involving 2.25 million patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking metformin, the university said. Researchers reported that metformin use in this group was associated with reduced risk of death, heart disease and dementia.
Associate Professor Yoram Barak, senior author and a researcher in the University of Otago—Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Department of Psychological Medicine, said those broader health findings were in line with what the team expected. Barak said the more unexpected result was the association with fewer cases of prostate cancer.
According to Barak, metformin has drawn substantial attention in research on aging, and earlier work had raised the possibility that the drug could have a role in reducing cancer rates. He said the review was notable because the prostate cancer finding had not been a focus of that line of inquiry before this project.
The researchers did not say the review proves metformin prevents prostate cancer. The findings were reported as associations among people with type 2 diabetes, and Barak said it remains too early to support prescribing metformin to people who do not have diabetes.
For men with type 2 diabetes, Barak said metformin should be a standard part of care. He said clinicians could use that approach to improve prospects for people living with the condition.
The paper, titled “Impact of Metformin on Healthspan-Related Outcomes and Incidence of Diseases of Aging in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review,” lists Amy Hai Yan Chan and colleagues as authors. The journal article was published in 2026 and carries the DOI 10.1177/15491684261462413.
Aging research angle
Barak also used the findings to call for more work in senolytic research, a field focused on drugs and therapies that may delay, prevent, ease or reverse aspects of aging, according to the University of Otago. He said investment in the field could help expand options for improving health in later life.
The university said the issue is especially relevant for Aotearoa New Zealand, which is expected to become an “aging society” under the World Health Organization’s definition in the late 2030s. Barak said he hopes the metformin review and related research efforts will help improve quality of life for older New Zealanders.
This story draws on original reporting from Medical Xpress.