Could this 20-cent pill become the next big breakthrough in colon cancer treatment? Researchers say the early signs are promising
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It’s one of the most prescribed medications in the world, it costs less than a quarter per dose, and chances are someone in your family takes it every day.
But now, scientists are exploring whether this common drug—known primarily for controlling blood sugar—might have a second life as an unexpected ally in the fight against colon cancer.
Metformin, a generic diabetes medication taken by millions globally, is being studied by researchers at The Ohio State University for its potential use in treating difficult-to-target colon cancer.
While the idea isn’t entirely new—past studies have hinted at cancer-preventive benefits among diabetics taking the drug—what’s different this time is the focus: using metformin as a supplemental therapy after cancer has already developed.
Dr. Holli Loomans-Kropp, a gastrointestinal cancer prevention expert leading the ongoing study, says early lab results are promising.
“We’re opening up some doors to what this could do,” she told Business Insider, referring to how the drug affects colon cancer cells in preclinical testing.
But it’s the way the drug works that has researchers hopeful. Metformin alters how cells use and produce energy, disrupting key functions in cancer cell growth—especially in cancers driven by mutations in the KRAS gene, which are notoriously hard to treat.
The researchers believe metformin could make it harder for colon cancer cells to use energy to grow and divide.
It’s not a cure by itself, but the goal is to pair it with other cancer therapies to improve outcomes.
Like exercise or intermittent fasting, it promotes a cellular process called autophagy—where the body cleans out old, damaged cells.
That cellular “clean-up” effect could be one reason why metformin appears to reduce the risk of several age-related diseases.
Longevity expert Dr. Nir Barzilai, a leading researcher in aging and disease prevention, said metformin is a “suitable” candidate for cancer prevention but agrees it’s too soon to jump to conclusions. “Let the science lead,” he noted.
And the science is leading—slowly, but with direction. Loomans-Kropp’s team is still in the early stages, working with cancer cells in the lab.
The next step would be animal testing, with the hope of eventually launching human trials.
A safe, inexpensive supplement that could enhance existing therapies would be a major breakthrough—not just medically, but economically.
And because metformin is already FDA-approved and well understood, the path to clinical use may be faster than with brand-new drugs.
Also read:
Have you or someone you know taken metformin? What’s your experience been like? Are you hopeful about the idea of repurposing old drugs for new uses? Do you have questions about colon cancer prevention or treatment? Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below. Your voice could help others in our community!
It’s one of the most prescribed medications in the world, it costs less than a quarter per dose, and chances are someone in your family takes it every day.
But now, scientists are exploring whether this common drug—known primarily for controlling blood sugar—might have a second life as an unexpected ally in the fight against colon cancer.
Metformin, a generic diabetes medication taken by millions globally, is being studied by researchers at The Ohio State University for its potential use in treating difficult-to-target colon cancer.
While the idea isn’t entirely new—past studies have hinted at cancer-preventive benefits among diabetics taking the drug—what’s different this time is the focus: using metformin as a supplemental therapy after cancer has already developed.
Dr. Holli Loomans-Kropp, a gastrointestinal cancer prevention expert leading the ongoing study, says early lab results are promising.
“We’re opening up some doors to what this could do,” she told Business Insider, referring to how the drug affects colon cancer cells in preclinical testing.
Metformin, a generic diabetes medication taken by millions globally, is being studied by researchers at The Ohio State University. Image source: Fotos / Unsplash
Why Scientists Are Excited About Metformin (Again)
What makes metformin so intriguing? For starters, it’s widely available, safe, and incredibly affordable. A month’s supply costs about the same as a bottle of water.But it’s the way the drug works that has researchers hopeful. Metformin alters how cells use and produce energy, disrupting key functions in cancer cell growth—especially in cancers driven by mutations in the KRAS gene, which are notoriously hard to treat.
The researchers believe metformin could make it harder for colon cancer cells to use energy to grow and divide.
It’s not a cure by itself, but the goal is to pair it with other cancer therapies to improve outcomes.
The Bigger Picture: A Wonder Drug in the Making?
Metformin has long had a reputation that goes beyond diabetes. It’s been studied for potential benefits in heart disease, aging, dementia, and now, cancer.Like exercise or intermittent fasting, it promotes a cellular process called autophagy—where the body cleans out old, damaged cells.
That cellular “clean-up” effect could be one reason why metformin appears to reduce the risk of several age-related diseases.
Longevity expert Dr. Nir Barzilai, a leading researcher in aging and disease prevention, said metformin is a “suitable” candidate for cancer prevention but agrees it’s too soon to jump to conclusions. “Let the science lead,” he noted.
And the science is leading—slowly, but with direction. Loomans-Kropp’s team is still in the early stages, working with cancer cells in the lab.
The next step would be animal testing, with the hope of eventually launching human trials.
Why This Matters
Colon cancer remains one of the most common—and deadly—forms of cancer in the US. While screening has improved survival rates, treatment options remain limited for certain aggressive types.A safe, inexpensive supplement that could enhance existing therapies would be a major breakthrough—not just medically, but economically.
And because metformin is already FDA-approved and well understood, the path to clinical use may be faster than with brand-new drugs.
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