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AUA 2017

AUA 2017: Diabetes Mellitus, Metformin and Prostate Cancer – Results of a Prostate Cancer Database Analysis

Boston, MA (UroToday.com) The relationship between diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome with prostate cancer continues to be of debate. Recent literature sites metformin (an anti-hyperglycemic medication) to be able to modify gene expression in prostate cancer cells, with its attendant impact on lowering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the blood. However, despite this relationship, the scientific community remains divided on the use of metformin as a preventative medication for prostate cancer development or progression. Dr. Seyed Behzad Jazayeri of New York, New York presents a retrospective review of PC patients using metformin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

From March 2003 through October 2016, 228 patients with diabetes mellitus at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis were identified from a database containing 3,645 patients. Three control groups were used as comparison points: patients with diabetes mellitus not taking metformin versus non-diabetic patients versus patients taking metformin for conditions other than diabetes mellitus.

After multivariate analysis, PC characteristics (Gleason grade, PSA, stage, D’amco risk classification, etc.) were not found to be associated with any of the comparison groups. Patients taking metformin, whether for the purpose of treating diabetes mellitus or other conditions, were not found to have lower risk PC.

While the present study does not support the protective effect of metformin on PC patients in diabetic or non-diabetic patients, a preventative benefit may exist. Further observational data should be further analyzed with regard to both diabetes mellitus as a PC comorbidity and the potential protective effect of metformin use.

Presented By: Seyed Behzad Jazayeri, New York, NY

Author(s): Seyed Behzad Jazayeri, Brittany Weissman, David Samadi

Written By: Linda Huynh (BS), an assistant research specialist from the University of California, Irvine, on behalf of UroToday.com

at the 2017 AUA Annual Meeting - May 12 - 16, 2017 – Boston, Massachusetts, USA