Table 4.

The putative anticarcinogenic effects of metformin.

(1) Activation of LKB1/AMPK pathway
(2) Induction of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis
(3) Inhibition of protein synthesis
(4) Reduction in circulating insulin levels
(5) Activation of the immune system
(6) Eradication of cancer stem cells
(7) Reduced IGF1, insulin, and HER2-mediated signaling
(8) Inhibition of angiogenesis

AMPK: adenosine monophosphate kinase.

LKB₁: liver kinase B₁.

IGF1: insulin-like growth factor 1.

HER2: human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.