Rapid improvements in Kaposi sarcoma with metformin: a report of two cases

This report details interesting, positive and perhaps somewhat surprising outcomes following the administration of metformin – typically used to treat type 2 diabetes – to two older men with Kaposi sarcoma. As an antidiabetic agent, metformin decreases blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and activates the AMPK/mTOR pathway to inhibit cell metabolism, proliferation and angiogenesis. We believe that our cases make a significant contribution to the literature as metformin is generally accessible, well tolerated and has been shown to have a wide range of effects that may make it a promising therapy not only for diabetes, but also for cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma, particularly in resource-limited settings.