Key findings
• A genetic predisposition to type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a reduced risk of esophageal cancer (EC).
• Metformin use is linked to a decreased prevalence of EC, while insulin and gliclazide show no significant association.
What is known and what is new?
• Existing knowledge: previous studies have produced mixed results regarding the relationship between T2DM and the risk of EC, with some suggesting potential links to specific medications.
• This study: utilizes a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach combined with meta-analysis to clarify the causal associations between T2DM, its treatments, and the risk of EC.
What is the implication, and what should change now?
• The findings suggest that metformin may offer protective benefits against EC, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms.
Publication: Lin Y, Lin J, Xu H, Hong Z, Kang M. Causal relationship between type II diabetes mellitus, metformin, insulin, gliclazide, and esophageal cancer—insights from two-sample Mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis. J Thorac Dis 2025;17(1):243-253. doi: 10.21037/jtd-24-1152
Journal of Thoracic Disease
Observational study
Human tissue samples
Causal relationship between type II diabetes mellitus, metformin, insulin, gliclazide, and esophageal cancer—insights from two-sample Mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis
22-Jan-2025
All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/jtd-24-1152/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.