Glucose-lowering drugs for cancer therapy

Glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) can exert anticancer effects at different integrated levels: from the systemic glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects to local direct effects on cancer cells and their tumor microenvironment (TME). 

Metabolic interactions between cancer cells and the TME represent a promising novel target for anticancer action of GLDs.

According to the class and the specific molecule, GLDs can potentiate the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy by sensitizing cancer cells.

To increase the potential anticancer efficacy of GLDs, further studies to assess the pharmacodynamics and dose escalation of the drugs are mandatory, as well as the need to better select responder patients and responder tumor types.

Anticancer effects of GLDs are more evident in preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo, while clinical evidence is still weak, mainly due to biases in cancer and patient selection. More specific clinical trial designs in selected patients are needed.

https://www.cell.com/trends/cancer/fulltext/S2405-8033(25)00106-2

https://sciencemission.com/glucose-lowering-drugs-for-cancer-therapy