Diabetes drug metformin tested as possible CLL treatment

NCT ID NCT01750567

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This phase 2 pilot study tested the diabetes drug metformin in 37 people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that had come back after treatment, or in untreated CLL with a specific genetic change (11q deletion). The goal was to see if metformin could slow the cancer's growth. Metformin is cheap and generally safe, but this was a small, early study, so results are not conclusive.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Metformin (Glucophage), a diabetes drug
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, inexpensive, and well-tolerated treatment option for certain types of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase pilot study with only 37 participants. Metformin is not a standard cancer treatment, and it may not slow the disease or may cause side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

RELAPSED CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

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