Metformin Use Is Associated with Improved Survival in Patients Undergoing Resection for Pancreatic Cancer
Abstract
Preclinical evidence has demonstrated anti-tumorigenic effects of metformin. The effects of metformin following pancreatic cancer, however, remain undefined. We sought to assess the association between metformin use and survival using a large, nationally representative sample of patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. Patients undergoing a pancreatic resection between January 01, 2010, and December 31, 2012, were identified using the Truven Health MarketScan database. Clinical data, including history of metformin use, as well as operative details and information on long-term outcomes were collected. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of metformin use on overall survival (OS). A total of 3393 patients were identified. The mean age of patients was 54.2 years (SD = 9.1 years). Roughly one half of patients were female (n = 1735, 51.1 %); 49.1 % (n = 1665) presented with a Charlson comorbidity index of 3 or greater (CCI ≥3); and 19.6 % (n = 664) had diabetes. At the time of surgery, 60.0 % (n = 2034) of patients underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy, 35.7 % (n = 1212) a partial/distal pancreatectomy, while 4.3 % (n = 147) had a total pancreatectomy. On pathology, 1057 (31.2 %) had lymph node metastasis. Metformin use was identified in 456 patients (13.4 %) and was more commonly administered among patients without locally advanced disease (14.3 vs. 11.6 %, p = 0.038). While OS was comparable between patients…
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: 3,393 participants or records.
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