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Posted 2/25/2013 10:04 AM (GMT -5)
www.healthaim.com/can-older-drugs-be-repurposed-to-fight-cancer/

Article about 2 significant older non-cancer drugs that could help treat cancer but are not used much.
metformin and Inderal / propranolol

There are currently 40 clinical trials being done regarding metformin and cancer.
Posted 2/25/2013 11:37 AM (GMT -5)
I have read about metformin, but wonder if the study consists of tumors that have metastsized.

My husband has been on HT for 1 year and has had most of the side effects including diabetes.

Our Dr. just put him on metformin, and he is taking a holiday from HT as he is in remission.

BOOGEE

Posted 2/25/2013 11:49 AM (GMT -5)
Good luck with the metformin. I get a little constipation on it. Some get diarrhea.
These are trials of metformin and prostate cancer:

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=metformin+AND+prostate&Search=Search

One nice thing about the metformin is that it can be taken early in the disease. And it is cheap and generally safe.
Posted 2/25/2013 12:06 PM (GMT -5)
My sister-in-law had a mastectomy last year for breast cancer and is currently in a double blind study involving metformin.  I already take it for borderline diabetes and find it to be inexpensive and without noticeable side effects.
Posted 2/25/2013 3:06 PM (GMT -5)

robert, The article seems to imply that off-label prescriptions are against the rules. Yet, Myers, Scholz amd Lam have no problems prescribing Avodart off-label against cancer.   Are there any regulations about off-label prescriptions?  My doctors look like deer caught in the headlights when I ask about off-label use.

Carlos

Posted 2/25/2013 3:21 PM (GMT -5)
Docs can presribe off-label, but at least in the US pharma companies are not allowed to market their drugs for off-label use. (Some have gotten in trouble for allegedly doing that).
Posted 2/25/2013 3:43 PM (GMT -5)
Primary providers use off-label prescriptions all the time. But oncologists who are part of large organizations don't seem to prescribe cheap meds off-label. Some will prescribe off-label with expensive meds that have another cancer indication.
If the FDA indication is not for cancer , then they won't prescribe for cancer.
The independent oncologists are more active in off-label prescriptions.
Posted 2/25/2013 4:11 PM (GMT -5)
 

Carlos,

I didn't realize Avodart is used for off lable prescribing for PCa.

Our Oncol. just prescribed it for my husband as a maintanance program for being on HT holiday!

BOOGEE

Posted 2/25/2013 11:36 PM (GMT -5)
Metformin is worth a try but I'm not sure I'd want to take a beta blocker without some clear evidence out there. Not unless I already needed a beta blocker for some other diagnosis. Just my 2 cents worth.

Swim
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