The Risk of Multiple Myeloma Is Reduced in Metformin Initiators: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Abstract
Simple Summary Metformin exerts anti-cancer effects but its effect on multiple myeloma requires investigation. This study used the nationwide database of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance to examine whether metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus would have a reduced risk of multiple myeloma. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that patients who receive metformin treatment within the first 12 months of prescription of antidiabetic drugs have an approximately 30% lower risk than those who do not. In the per-protocol analyses, patients who adhere to metformin treatment will have an even lower risk reduction of approximately 65%. The findings of this study support an anti-cancer effect of metformin on multiple myeloma and provide a good reason for the recommendation of metformin as the first-line antidiabetic drug for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In patients without contraindications, patients should be advised to maintain on metformin use because of its multiple pleiotropic benefits. Abstract Background: Whether metformin might reduce the risk of multiple myeloma (MM) has not been extensively researched in humans. Methods: The study subjects were enrolled from the reimbursement database of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance. A total of 739,553 patients who had a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus during 1999–2009 were identified. They were categorized as metformin initiators (metformin (+)) and non-metformin initiators (metformin (−)) based on…
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: 739,553 participants or records.
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