Systematic review: Preventive and therapeutic applications of metformi

Gavin…thanks for the thoughtful reply. I’ve copied the review mentioned above, as well as a couple other articles from the web regarding the same subject, ie., usage of Metformin in type II diabetic patients as a possible way to stave off CC. I’ll give these to my Mayo onc for his opinion. It may only be that…an opinion, but one of the articles mentions that it has an effect in vivo and in vitro, which is a step further along, if I remember right, than it was when I last discussed it with him. So, maybe he will have more thoughts on it at this point in time.

As for the anxiety….it continues (as if I ever figured it would just magically disappear). Gavin…..whatever a “cuppa and a blether” is, it sounds like a good way to pass the time.

If it weren’t for babysitting the 3 month old grandson, I’d have just waaaay too much time on my hands to think about things. At least for most of the daytime hours, I don’t have time to think that much about CC……not with a baby either howling because he just can’t let himself calm down to sleep…..or all those baby smile I got today. Either way….he’s a wonderful distraction.

In three days, I’ll know my answers.

Julie T

Well Gavin, I’m glad you mentioned printing out the review on Metformin. I did not even think of doing that….though it’s kind of a “duh”…why not? I will go back to my printer as soon as I have posted here and get the copy of the review in my Mayo packet.

Of course, I will post again when I get back and let you know what he says. I “suspect” he is going to say that the “horse is already out of the barn”, but it’s worth bringing to his attention again. I did speak to him about Metformin usage for people who have diabetes as a possible preventative against cholangiocarcinoma, but at that time, I think info was preliminary….nothing to really hang your hat on. This review sounds a little more serious.

Thank you for your good wishes for the test results. I’m having some major problems with anxiety before these scans….even more so than other times. Have had a few vague strange feelings in my belly and of course, my mind goes into hyperdrive, imagining what it might be. Have had a few breakdowns with tears….just really hate going to these scans and each time having the build up prior to them. Sigh…but that’s the way it is and will be. People have and are going through worse. I will get through and past this too.

Julie T

Gavin, After reading the study, I understand it to mean that once CC has been identified, then Metformin does not have any effect on suppressing CC (no studies to indicate anyway).

However, I’m wondering about the circumstance of someone who has had a resection, adjuvant chemo and no evidence of disease. Is the published review to mean that Metformin would have no effect on supressing CC from that point on? OR, does the review mean that once there is CC, that is not resectable, then Metformin would do no good, but if a patient is cleared (as much as can be determined) of CC, then Metformin could be prescribed as a possible preventative?

I’m particularly interested because I’m a type II diabetic (on insulin), and currently one year, 4 months post surgery resection, and 11 months post adjuvant Gem/Cis chemo and currently no evidence of disease (scans coming up this next Thursday/Friday at Mayo). I will be meeting with my Mayo oncologist on Friday the 10th and would like to discuss this with him.

Julie T.