Old diabetes drug, new hope: could metformin stop myeloma before it starts?

NCT ID NCT04850846

Ongoing Prevention Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, can prevent progression to multiple myeloma in 60 people with early blood disorders called MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma. Participants receive either extended-release metformin or a placebo pill daily for up to 3 years. Researchers will track changes in blood protein levels and other markers to see if the drug slows or stops the disease.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Metformin (extended release)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to prevent multiple myeloma in people with early blood abnormalities.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 60 participants. It may not show a clear benefit, and metformin's effect on cancer progression is still unproven.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MONOCLONAL GAMMOPATHY OF UNDETERMINED SIGNIFICANCE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance Smoldering Multiple Myeloma smoldering plasma cell myeloma plasma cell myeloma prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MONOCLONAL GAMMOPATHY OF UNDETERMINED SIGNIFICANCE SMOLDERING MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
DF/ BWCC in Clinical Affiliation with South Shore Hospital

Weymouth, Massachusetts, 02190, United States
Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Dana-Farber at Brighton

Brighton, Massachusetts, 02135, United States
Dana-Farber at Merrimack Valley

Methuen, Massachusetts, 01844, United States
Dana-Farber at Milford

Milford, Massachusetts, 01757, United States
Dana-Farber at NHOH

Londonderry, New Hampshire, 35053, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.