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Protective Effects of Metformin Against Biochemical Failure Following Radical Prostatectomy or Radiation Therapy in Localized Prostate Cancer

Huynh LM, Keit E, Huang E, Carrillo RC, Ahlering TE, Boyle S, Enke CA, Baine M

Urology, 2021

1,449 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of metformin on biochemical failure (BF) in localized prostate cancers (PC) treated with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 1449 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (n = 1338, 92.3%) or radiation therapy (n = 108, 7.5%) for localized PC between July 2007 and January 2020 were evaluated for metformin use, demographic/oncologic characteristics, and biochemical outcomes. Androgen deprivation therapy was utilized per NCCN guidelines. BF rates were assessed overall and at 1, 3, and 5 years. Time to BF was estimated via Kaplan-Meier; logistic regression and Cox proportionate hazards models were generated to adjust for significant differences.

RESULTS: Of 1449 patients, 148 (10.2%) utilized metformin at time of diagnosis, while 1,301 (89.8%) did not. Patients on metformin were significantly older, had higher body mass indexes, and more aggressive disease (Gleason score >7). At a mean ± SD follow-up of 3.6 ± 2.6 years, patients on metformin were less likely to experience BF at later timepoints; however, univariate analysis showed no differences at 1, 3, and 5 years. In multivariate analysis, patients on metformin were significantly less likely to experience BF at 5 years and overall in both treatment groups. In Cox regression, metformin was independently associated with a 40% relative risk reduction in BF.

CONCLUSION: In multivariate analysis, metformin use was associated with a significant risk reduction in…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 1,449 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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