metformin + abiraterone acetate

Metformin + abiraterone acetate is a combination therapy investigated for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This specific combination was the focus of the MetAb-Pro Phase II pilot study, sponsored by Kantonsspital Graubünden, which evaluated whether adding metformin could reverse or delay resistance in patients progressing on abiraterone. Metformin is a biguanide that functions as an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist and an inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I, potentially interfering with cancer cell metabolism and androgen receptor signaling. Abiraterone acetate is a selective inhibitor of the CYP17A1 enzyme (17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase), which blocks the synthesis of androgens in the testes, adrenal glands, and prostate tumor tissue. The MetAb-Pro trial results indicated that the addition of metformin did not provide clinical benefit and was associated with significant gastrointestinal toxicity.

Other names

metformin and abiraterone acetate