The Cancer Advisor

Quick Answer: Metformin's repurposing for cancer gained momentum after studies showed diabetic patients taking it had significantly lower cancer rates and mortality. It is now studied as a gerotherapeutic agent targeting aging processes linked to cancer, with innovative research exploring higher doses, drug combinations (like immunotherapy), nanoformulations for targeted delivery, and personalized treatment based on biomarkers. If ongoing large trials confirm its benefits, metformin could make cancer care more accessible worldwide due to its affordability. However, robust randomized controlled trials are still needed to establish clear guidelines for its use in oncology. Historical Background Metformin originates from Galega officinalis, also known as Goat's Rue, a traditional herbal remedy used in Europe for diabetes-like symptoms for centuries. The active hypoglycemic compound galegine was isolated early in the 20th century. Metformin (dimethyl biguanide) was first synthesiz...

Is vitamin D the most powerful anti cancer supplement?  Thousands of studies have been done on the health effects of vitamin D, and research shows it is involved in the biology of all the cells and tissues in your body, including your immune cells. Your cells actually need the active form of vitamin D to gain access to the genetic blueprints stored inside. This is one of the reasons why vitamin D has the ability to impact such a wide variety of health problems — from fetal development to cancer. Note: There are more than 12,000 search results on  vitamin D and cancer on PubMed .  2025 Study: Vitamin D Helps Lower Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer A comprehensive analysis published in the journal  Nutrients in April 2025  has discovered a fascinating but substantial link between vitamin D and colorectal cancer (CRC). The researchers reviewed and analyzed data from 50 separate studies involv...

Abstract Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern, with accumulating evidence suggesting that vitamin D supplementation may reduce cancer risk and improve cancer mortality. This review synthesizes data from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and umbrella reviews, emphasizing daily supplementation of approximately 2000 IU (50 µg) vitamin D3. The evidence supports a modest but consistent reduction in advanced cancer risk and cancer-specific mortality, particularly with regular dosing rather than intermittent bolus administration. Site-specific cancer prevention effects are most pronounced for colorectal, breast, lung, and renal cell carcinomas. Key challenges include heterogeneity in study designs, dosing regimens, and population characteristics. We discuss mechanistic insights, safety, and future research directions aimed at bridging gaps between observational and clinical trial data. Keywords Vitamin D, cancer prevention, supplementation, randomized controlled trials,...

Summary Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, with limited effective therapies and poor survival, especially in stage 4 disease. Repurposing antiparasitic agents such as fenbendazole and ivermectin has garnered interest due to their demonstrated anti-cancer properties in preclinical studies. Methods: We reviewed and synthesized 20 detailed case reports from 2022 to 2025 documenting the clinical use of fenbendazole and ivermectin, alone or in combination with standard therapies, in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Tumor markers, imaging outcomes, and clinical responses were analyzed alongside mechanistic literature. Results: Across cases, patients exhibited marked reductions in CA19-9 tumor markers (often >70%), significant tumor shrinkage on imaging, and improved clinical status. Responses were observed even in chemotherapy-resistant and metastatic disease. Mechanistic studies support multiple anti-cancer effects of...