Pilot Study of Metformin in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer and Its Effects on Stromal-epithelial Metabolic Uncoupling

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of head and neck cancer biopsy proven, and who have a scheduled appointment for definitive resection of the tumor at TJUH
• Age ≥ 18 years of age and ≤80 years old.
• Newly diagnosed with HNSCC cancer.
• No prior therapy for HNSCC cancer is permitted for enrollment in the trial.
• All subjects must be able to comprehend and sign a written informed consent document.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or may become pregnant during metformin administration.
• On metformin for any reason during the preceding 4 weeks.
• Diabetic patients are eligible if they are not taking metformin, insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Received iodinated contrast dye less than 48 hours prior to screening meet a temporary exclusion criteria to receive metformin. These patients cannot start investigational metformin until 48 hours have elapsed from contrast administration. Subjects who are scheduled for iodinated contrast dye administration within 48 hours of definitive surgery are excluded.
• Plasma alanine aminotransferase greater than 40 IU/dL.
• Plasma aspartate aminotransferase greater than 45 IU/dL.
• Plasma creatinine level greater than 1.3 mg/dL.
• Plasma alkaline phosphatase greater than 190 IU/dL.
• Plasma bicarbonate less than 22 mEq/L or history of lactic or any other metabolic acidosis.
• History of congestive heart failure.
• Myocardial ischemia or peripheral muscle ischemia.
• Sepsis or severe infection.
• History of lung disease currently requiring any pharmacologic or supplemental oxygen treatment.
• Scheduled for definitive HNSCC cancer surgical resection less than two weeks from enrollment or greater than five weeks from enrollment.
• History of hepatic dysfunction or hepatic disease.
• Excessive alcohol intake which is defined in accordance with CDC definitions as more than 1 drink per day for women and more than 2 drinks per day for men.

All medications are permitted except those that are contraindicated with metformin under current FDA recommendations.