metformin + paclitaxel + trastuzumab

This is a combination regimen consisting of three agents: - **Metformin** is an oral biguanide antidiabetic drug that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), leading to inhibition of the mTOR pathway and reduced cellular proliferation. It has demonstrated potential antitumor effects in preclinical and clinical studies, including synergy with chemotherapy and targeted therapies. - **Paclitaxel** is a microtubule-stabilizing chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits cell division by promoting tubulin polymerization and preventing microtubule disassembly, resulting in mitotic arrest and apoptosis. - **Trastuzumab** is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of the HER2 receptor (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). It blocks HER2 signaling, induces antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), prevents HER2 cleavage/activation, and inhibits tumor cell proliferation. This triple combination has been investigated primarily as neoadjuvant therapy for early-stage or locally advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. The rationale for combining these drugs includes potential synergistic antitumor activity—metformin may sensitize tumor cells to both chemotherapy (paclitaxel) and anti-HER2 therapy (trastuzumab), while also providing cardioprotective effects against trastuzumab-induced toxicity[1][3][2]. Clinical trials such as the METTEN study have evaluated this regimen's efficacy and safety.

Other names

metformin plus paclitaxel plus trastuzumabmetformin/paclitaxel/trastuzumab combination