Journal of International Oncology ›› 2022, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (5): 292-295.doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn371439-20220228-00054

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Research progress of metformin in tumor immunotherapy

Ning Tingting, Hu Qinyong()   

  1. Department of Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
  • Received:2022-02-28 Revised:2022-03-25 Online:2022-05-08 Published:2022-05-31
  • Contact: Hu Qinyong E-mail:rm001223@whu.edu.cn

Abstract:

In recent decades, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have ushered in a new era in oncology treatment. Despite the remarkable efficacy of ICIs, there are still many patients who do not benefit from immunotherapy alone. Combination therapy is currently the main research direction in China and abroad. Metformin can enhance the number and function of T cells, affect macrophage polarization, promote natural killer cell activation and regulate immune checkpoint expression. A large number of preclinical and clinical studies are exploring the efficacy and safety of ICIs in combination with metformin in different tumors.

Key words: Metformin, Neoplasms, Immune check inhibitors, PD-1, PD-L1