Metformin inhibits the growth of SCLC cells by inducing autophagy and apoptosis via the suppression of EGFR and AKT signalling.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a therapeutically challenging disease. Metformin, an effective agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has been shown to have antitumour effects on many cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer. Currently, the antitumour effects of metformin on SCLC and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.