Insulin glargine does not increase the risk of malignancy.Synopsis of the article ?Combined randomised controlled trial experience of malignancies in studies using insulin glargine?byHome P.D. & Lagarenne P. (Diabetologia 2009, vol. 52 (12): 2499-2506)

Abstract

Results of 31 controlled randomized studies of insulin glargine given to patients with diabetes mellitus are reviewed to evaluate the frequency of malignantneoplasms. 52 tumours were diagnosed in 45 (0.8%) patients on insulin glargine therapy and 48 tumors in 46 (0.9%) patients using other insulins(mostly NPX insulin). The incidence of breast cancer was equal (0.1%) in both groups (4 and 6 cases respectively). These data indicate thatthe use of insuline glargine does not increase the risk of malignancy, e.g. breast cancer.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• insulin glargine
• malignant neoplasms
• breast cancer