metformin + vincristine + irinotecan + temozolomide

This combination therapy consists of the biguanide metformin and the VIT regimen, which includes vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide. It was investigated by the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, in collaboration with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation's Sunshine Project, for the treatment of pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors and central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Metformin, traditionally an oral anti-diabetic medication, is repurposed in this context for its potential anti-cancer effects mediated through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and subsequent inhibition of the mTOR pathway. The VIT backbone provides multi-modal cytotoxic activity through microtubule inhibition (vincristine), topoisomerase I inhibition (irinotecan), and DNA alkylation (temozolomide). A Phase I dose-escalation trial (NCT01528046) was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of this combination in children.

Other names

VIT-metformin