Study Suggests GLP-1 Receptor Agonists May Lower Cancer and Mortality Risks in Obese Diabetics

Research presented at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology indicates that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may play a role in decreasing the risk of obesity-related cancers and overall mortality among adults with diabetes and obesity. This study compared the effects of GLP-1 RAs to those of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which are considered weight-neutral.

Obesity is a known risk factor for various forms of cancer, prompting a team of researchers to investigate whether GLP-1 RAs could mitigate this risk in patients diagnosed with both diabetes and obesity. The study analyzed data from 85,015 adults who had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher and were newly prescribed either a GLP-1 RA or a DPP-4 inhibitor between 2013 and 2023. To ensure comparability, patients receiving GLP-1 RAs were matched with those on DPP-4 inhibitors based on propensity scores.

The findings revealed that participants using GLP-1 RAs experienced a lower incidence of obesity-related cancers and a reduced risk of all-cause mortality during a mean follow-up period of 3.9 years. The adjusted hazard ratios for these risks were 0.93 and 0.92, respectively, suggesting a modest protective effect associated with GLP-1 RA usage. Additionally, significant protective associations were specifically noted for colon and rectal cancers.

These results indicate that GLP-1 RAs might significantly lower the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer, particularly those affecting the colon and rectum, and could also contribute to decreased death rates from all causes. However, researchers emphasize the need for further studies to establish a causal relationship.

One of the co-authors of the study disclosed financial ties to the biopharmaceutical industry, which adds a layer of complexity to the interpretation of the results.