Obesity is a well-established risk factor for several types of cancer, with mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and altered hormone levels contributing to tumor development and progression. People with type 2 diabetes are also at an increased risk for obesity-associated cancers. Researchers have found that individuals treated with glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for type 2 diabetes had a reduced risk for 10 obesity-associated cancers compared to those on other diabetes treatments.
A study published in JAMA Network Open compared participants with type 2 diabetes receiving GLP-1RAs, insulin, or metformin and found that GLP-1RA users had a significantly lower risk for 10 out of 13 obesity-associated cancers. However, the study had limitations, including reliance on electronic health records that could introduce errors and biases. Future research is needed to validate these findings and understand the potential risks associated with GLP-1RAs, such as a possible increase in thyroid cancer risk.
The implications of this study suggest that GLP-1RAs could be prioritized in managing patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for obesity-related cancers, potentially providing a dual benefit of improved glycemic control and reduced cancer risk. However, there is uncertainty about whether the reduction in cancer risk is directly related to GLP-1 drugs or to weight loss associated with the medication. Experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs can be important in cancer prevention as an adjunct to weight loss, they should not replace established factors like exercise, nutrition, and weight loss in reducing cancer risk.
Certain cancers, such as colorectal, breast, endometrial, kidney, and pancreatic cancers, are associated with obesity. In the study, GLP-1RA use was associated with a lower risk for gallbladder, pancreatic, ovarian, colorectal, and esophageal cancers compared to insulin use, but not for breast or thyroid cancer. Individuals with obesity or overweight should engage in healthy lifestyle practices, including diet and exercise, to help reduce their risk of obesity-associated cancers.
While further research is needed to confirm the results of the study and understand the mechanisms by which GLP-1RAs reduce cancer risk, the findings suggest a potential protective effect of these medications against certain obesity-associated cancers. The study highlights the importance of addressing risk factors like obesity and type 2 diabetes in cancer prevention and emphasizes the need for ongoing research to better understand how different treatments impact cancer risks in high-risk populations.
