Topic: Metformin-Anyone on this trial?

Jan 9, 2012 10:25 AM, edited Jan 9, 2012 10:27 AM by AlaskaAngel

I have to work hard to stay objective about the possibility of using metformin for cancer, but I do very much want it to prove itself one way or the other.

What is so encouraging about this one to me is that thus far it may work for both ER+ and ER- and it may work for triple negs; and in addition, it is inexpensive enough that it is something that would help breast cancer patients throughout the world and not just in developed countries. If it does work, it also could provide additional help in improving one's general physical status, particularly for the elderly, in terms of weight management for those who are not diabetic but overweight.

I'm so glad that trials are being done, and only wish I wasn't so far out from treatment to join in to help provide the answers.

A.A. 

Jan 18, 2012 05:41 PM fluffqueen01 wrote:

Hi all, I thought I would chime in as I went through all the prep for the study in Indianapolis. First, they will look at your stats. If you meet the basic requirements, which are

If the tumor is less than a cm, it has to be in your nodes
If it is bigger than a cm, it doesn't have to be.

Then they bring you in and you complete the folowing.

You have to start the study within one year of diagnosis.
It is ok to still be on herceptin and tamoxifen
They will bring you in, you fill out a survey about lifestyle, eating habits, etc.
Then you have blood work and a lung -xray.
Then they will give you a giant jar of pills.

In my case, they didn't realize until I had everything done and the pills in my hot little hand, that one part of my tumor was .8 cm, which kicked me out.

In talking with my pcp about it, I gave hiim the study. He said that metformin is so cheap, he could prescribe it for me, and I could fill it and not run it through my insurance. I filled the first script at Walmart for $4, and just learned I can get it free at our local Marsh as part of their diabeteic program. I am going to check into that tomorrow.

So I am conducting my own personal study. Dr. Miller at the IU Med Center was very positive about it.

Jan 21, 2012 03:38 PM 1skifreak wrote:

Hi, I am new to this post.  I go in Friday for the lab work.  Then, if all looks good I will get my large jar of pills the following week.  This study is  a Phase III randomized trial (double blind study) of Metformin Vs Placebo.  It is an international study with people from Canada, US, Britian, France and not sure where else.  My understanding is that this is the final phase of the study (well at the end of the 5 years or so and when data is compiled) but I could be wrong.  I have a friend that is a PharmD.  We talked at great length about this before I decided to join.  Wondering if I will get the real deal or not.

Jan 21, 2012 06:45 PM starella wrote:

Hi, Ive had alot of gi issues with metformin...i think this side effect is very common.

Feb 2, 2012 04:47 PM Wendyspet wrote:

Hey ladies--I am considering joining this trial.  Questions for you:

1. Would your recommend, is it do-able in terms of time requirements and side effects?

2. Does your insurance company care at all?

...and anything else you would like to mention.  Thanks!

Feb 2, 2012 07:17 PM kks_rd wrote:

Hi Wendyspet, I would definitely recommend from a time point of view.  Initial commitment is about 1-2 hours and all the follow-ups are intended to coincide with your regular follow-ups.  SEs were quite do-able for me, so much so that I think I might be in the placebo group.

Not sure what insurance says about it.  I'm not sure if they even know!  The pills were supplied by the hospital pharmacy.

Compared with everything we've been through, BC-wise, this is easy in my opinion.

Feb 2, 2012 08:11 PM, edited Feb 2, 2012 08:13 PM by Ralston

I took mine once without food and I got so sick (nausea, etc), other than that I haven't noticed anything different. Taste???? I have not tasted mine. What is the difference in taste between the placebo and the meformin?

Feb 3, 2012 09:58 AM herta wrote:

If you don't like the side effects, you can drop out of the study at any time. My thought was join while I'm eligbile. I'm committed to trying it out, that's all. I haven't ramped up to the full dose yet but if the side effects are nasty (or if I really think I'm on the placebo), I will drop out and go back to drinking jiao-gu-lan tea which also affects insulin pathways. 

Feb 18, 2012 10:34 AM, edited Feb 18, 2012 10:37 AM by kks_rd

Feb 18, 2012 09:45 PM fluffqueen01 wrote:

My only side effects were the intestinal issues, and in my case, it turned out to be a blessing. I was having problems with fissures left over from my chemo/surgery/pain med months. I could not get everything healed up. The intestinal issues kept everything "going easily", lol, so all the other problems healed up.

Feb 28, 2012 06:42 AM, edited Feb 28, 2012 09:36 AM by riley08

Feb 29, 2012 07:40 AM riley08 wrote:

This is my first post but I have been reading all the responses regarding the drug Metformin with interest. My GP also prescribed Metformin for me after my Oncologist said no. Is anyone telling their Oncologist that they are taking Metformin if is wasn't prescribed by them?

Feb 29, 2012 09:52 AM AlaskaAngel wrote:

I would want the onc to provide me with very specific supporting information documenting why he refuses.

Feb 29, 2012 02:07 PM Paintingmywaythru wrote:

Well I was told I am not eligible for the study becuse I am triple negative and have had chemo and am NEd right now....well isn't that the point...and my onc won't prescribe becuase "There is no evidnece as yet that this is effective" so I am going ot my PCP. I have printed out soem things but if anyone has a link to an article that you think really spells it out, please post or PM me as I am overweight and maybe this drug would help in 2 ways.....rather annoyed. The only study I was eligible for was a phone support one and then I said yes and they screened me out as too "active" a lifestyle....what does that mean..I do yoga twice a week and walk 2 to 3 tiems a week...no athlete here.

My gosh...frustrating!!!!!!!

Feb 29, 2012 03:23 PM Paintingmywaythru wrote:

Thanks Alaskaangel many of htese are from Canada and the UK...I was trying for a  U.S. study but if I get no hwere I will go to the link on the first page where people are buying it ...tired of others controlling our destiny! But I know this is only a possibility based on retrospectively looking back at diabetics and the percentage that got breast cancer. I did get a call back today from 2 places but both said because I am triple negative they are not accepting me....

Thank you again. I appeciate your thoughtfulness.