Common Diabetes Drug Corrects Mitochondrial Metabolism in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

Treatment with the commonly-prescribed diabetes medication metformin blocked increases in mitochondrial metabolism in a mouse model of Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome is an inherited cancer disorder caused by mutations in the tumor suppressing protein p53. Individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome are at an increased risk for a number of cancers, including breast and bone cancer.

Mutations in the protein p53 have also been linked to increased mitochondrial metabolism. It is not clear whether targeting these metabolic changes can effectively reduce the risk of cancer associated with p53 mutations.

Patient Navigation may Lead to Better Breast Cancer Treatment in High-Risk Women
The linking of a newly diagnosed cancer patient with a professional trained in assisting patients though the complex journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment, may lead to better breast cancer care in high risk and minority women.

‘Metformin can ameliorate abnormal mitochondrial metabolism and may be a potential strategy for tumor prevention in Li-Fraumeni syndrome.’

In the JCI, research led by Paul Hwang at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute discovered that treatment with the commonly-prescribed diabetes medication metformin treatment blocked increases in mitochondrial metabolism in a mouse model of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, leading to a lower rate of tumor formation and increased survival time.

Furthermore, in a pilot study involving Li-Fraumeni patients, metformin treatment produced a similar inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism and activated of anti-proliferation signaling.

The finding that this FDA-approved drug can ameliorate abnormal mitochondrial metabolism suggests that it may be a potential strategy for tumor prevention in Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Novel Implant Identifies Suitable Drug for Individualized Cancer Treatment
The implant shows activity of each drug on the tumor and indicates drugs that will work best on the cancer as a whole.

Source-Eurekalert

Regorafenib Seeks Approval For Liver Cancer Treatment from FDA
German drugmaker submits new drug application for regorafenib as it is found to improve the survival rate in liver cancer patients.

An Innovative Drug Design Strategy to Improve Breast Cancer Treatment
A structure-based drug design strategy will help in improving treatment against hormone-driven breast cancers.