GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, potentially lower the risk of cancer.
Diabetes and obesity drugs like GLP-1 medications could potentially shield individuals with type 2 diabetes from a variety of cancers, according to new research. The study, led by scientists from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, discovered an association between GLP-1 drugs and a reduced risk of 10 distinct obesity-linked cancers in people with type 2 diabetes, as compared to using only insulin.
Since the early 2000s, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been used to manage type 2 diabetes by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate metabolism by triggering insulin release when required, and it also plays a role in managing appetite. The approval of GLP-1 drugs as treatments for obesity came with the introduction of liraglutide in 2014, with more recent drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide proving to be significantly more effective at helping people lose weight than diet and exercise alone. In clinical trials, individuals using these drugs lost an average of 15% to 20% of their body weight over a year.
This new study sought to investigate the health benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond diabetes and obesity management, given the link between obesity and several cancers, including breast, thyroid, and pancreatic cancer. Previous research had suggested that GLP-1s may be associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer specifically. This study marks the first research to systematically examine the connection between obesity-related cancers and GLP-1 use.
The scientists analyzed medical record data from 1.6 million patients with type 2 diabetes and no prior cancer history. They focused on three groups of patients: those prescribed a GLP-1 drug, those prescribed insulin, and those prescribed metformin, another common diabetes medication. GLP-1 users were found to have a significantly lower risk of developing 10 out of 13 cancers linked to obesity, as compared to insulin users, including gallbladder, pancreatic, liver, and colorectal cancers. The same trend was noticed when comparing GLP-1 users to metformin users, but the differences were not statistically significant. The research was published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
It's important to note that this study only demonstrates a correlation between GLP-1 use and cancer risk, not a causal link. The researchers have several possible explanations for the observed effects, such as the drugs' potential for promoting substantial weight loss and enhancing insulin sensitivity, both of which may reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers.
However, the study has some drawbacks. The research primarily covers the early years of GLP-1 use, and newer, more potent medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide may yield even more profound anti-cancer effects. Additionally, compared to those on metformin, GLP-1 users appeared to have a higher risk of kidney cancer. Further research is required to fully understand the impact of these newer and more powerful GLP-1RAs on cancer risk.
The study's lead author, Lindsey Wang, applauded the work of study author and cancer researcher Nathan Berger who passed away last June at the age of 83. Berger was a mentor to Wang and the founder of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and several programs encouraging high school students to engage in scientific research.
As exciting as the idea of GLP-1 medications preventing cancer may be, this research represents just the beginning. More studies are needed to confirm these associations, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and examine the impact of newer GLP-1RAs on cancer risk.
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- The potential benefits of GLP-1 medications extend beyond diabetes and obesity management, as new research suggests they could shield individuals with type 2 diabetes from various cancers.
- The study, led by scientists from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, found an association between GLP-1 drugs and a reduced risk of 10 distinct obesity-linked cancers in people with type 2 diabetes, as compared to using only insulin.
- Likely explanations for the observed effects include the drugs' potential for promoting weight loss and enhancing insulin sensitivity, both of which may reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers.
- Future studies are likely needed to confirm these associations, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and examine the impact of newer and more potent GLP-1RAs on cancer risk.
