GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to lower the risk of several obesity-associated cancers, according to a retrospective analysis of electronic health records. The study, conducted by Nathan Berger, MD, and colleagues at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, revealed that compared to insulin, GLP-1s were associated with a decreased risk for developing 10 out of 13 cancers in individuals with type II diabetes. The follow-up period, which spanned up to 15 years, identified significant risk reductions in various cancers, such as gallbladder cancer, meningioma, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, and kidney cancer.
Co-author Lindsey Wang emphasized the significance of the study’s findings, highlighting the pleiotropic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on cancer prevention, particularly for obesity-associated cancers. The increasing popularity of newer GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide further underlines the importance of research in this area. The study aimed to investigate the potential link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and cancer risk, considering the widespread use of these drugs for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss.
While GLP-1 receptor agonists showed a reduced risk for several cancers compared to insulin, the study also identified trends in cancer risk reduction with GLP-1s compared to metformin. However, no significant decrease in cancer risk was associated with GLP-1 receptors versus metformin. The researchers noted a trend towards a reduced risk for stomach cancer with GLP-1s compared to insulin, although this trend did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, GLP-1s were not linked to a decreased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer or thyroid cancer.
One surprising finding was the increased risk of kidney cancer associated with GLP-1 treatment relative to metformin. The researchers highlighted the importance of continued monitoring in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists due to this elevated risk. While GLP-1s have direct effects on kidney function in renal vasculature, no previous reports have linked them to increased mitogenesis or kidney cancers. This unexpected increase in kidney cancer risk underscores the need for ongoing vigilance in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The analysis was based on electronic health records of over 1.6 million U.S. patients with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists, insulins, or metformin between 2005 and 2018. It is important to note that none of the patients had a prior diagnosis of obesity-associated cancers. The study population had a median age of approximately 59.8 years, with a majority being white and male. Comparisons between GLP-1 users and insulin users revealed differences in demographics and medical history, suggesting potential confounders in the analysis. Additionally, the study did not control for healthcare utilization or insurance type, which could impact the generalizability of the findings.
Overall, the study offers valuable insights into the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on cancer risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes. While the results highlight the potential benefits of GLP-1s in lowering the risk of obesity-associated cancers, they also point to the need for further research to fully understand the complex relationship between these medications and cancer development.
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