Drug Repurposing for Reducing the Size of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review
Authors' conclusion
Metformin shows the most consistent potential for noninvasive reduction of BTN size, particularly in patients with metabolic comorbidities. However, current evidence is limited and heterogeneous. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm efficacy and guide clinical use.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with benign thyroid nodules (BTNs); preclinical and clinical studies of repurposed drugs20 studies
- Comparison
- Repurposed pharmacologic agents for reducing BTN size
- Outcome
- Reduction in BTN size
Methodological detailsnarrative synthesis, Data extracted independently in duplicate, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Scopus searched from inception to December 18, 2024, 1499 records screened; 20 included: 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 6 prospective cohorts, 3 retrospective observational, 3 case reports, 1 cross-sectional, 1 preclinical
- Narrative synthesis
- Data extracted independently in duplicate
- MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Scopus searched from inception to December 18, 2024
- 1499 records screened; 20 included: 6 RCTs, 6 prospective cohorts, 3 retrospective observational, 3 case reports, 1 cross-sectional, 1 preclinical
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
BTN size
- Metformin (most evaluated agent): significant reductions in dominant nodule volume
- 5 of 7 studies (including 2 RCTs)
- Metformin: non-significant reduction in maximum nodule diameter
- 1 prospective study
- Metformin: no changes in nodule size
- 1 RCT
- Statins: mixed results
- 4 studies
- Somatostatin analogues: mixed results
- 4 studies
Original publication
Drug Repurposing for Reducing the Size of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 12 November 2025. doi:10.
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