GLP-1 and Cancer

Emerging research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago earlier this month suggested that GLP-1 agonists, medicines often used to treat diabetes, can lower the risk of cancer development and progression.

Over the past decade, GLP-1 agonists have been effectively used to reduce the risk and progression of several diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Here is what we know about recent research suggesting that this class of drugs may also be beneficial for cancer treatment and prevention.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the gut after a meal. It is responsible for stimulating insulin production and communicates to the brain when the stomach is full.

GLP-1 agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the function of GLP-1. They are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity and, in some cases, to aid weight loss. Some common GLP-1 agonists are semaglutide and tirzepatide, sold as Ozempic and Mounjaro, respectively.

Over two dozen studies presented at the ASCO meeting found that GLP-1 agonists reduced cancer risk and progression, and enhanced treatment and survival outcomes compared to the control group.

One such study, led by Mark Orland, MD, at Cleveland Clinic, assessed more than 10,000 people with cancer who had been prescribed GLP-1 agonists. The participants studied were diagnosed with either stage 1, 2, or 3 cancer of the breast, colon, rectum, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, or prostate. To create the control group, the team matched each individual in the GLP-1 group with someone who had the same stage and type of cancer, as well as the same comorbidities. Those in the control group were prescribed another class of drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, called a DPP-4 inhibitor. Other than kidney cancer, for each cancer type, those taking GLP-1 agonists were less likely to develop metastatic disease. The largest reductions were noted for breast and lung cancer, with a 43% and 50% reduction in the likelihood of progression, respectively.

One other study found that those taking GLP-1 agonists were 30% less likely to develop breast cancer compared to those not on the drug. Yet another study found that including GLP-1 in the standard treatment regimen for breast cancer reduced the risk of cancer mortality by 30%.

While such early findings suggest significant benefits, it is important to note that several studies were observational and could not ascertain cause and effect. To establish a causative relationship, further research is necessary before any conclusions can be drawn.