GLP-1s may lower cancer risk in type 2 diabetes patients, study finds

A recent study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Ohio, has uncovered that patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with semaglutide have a lower likelihood of developing certain cancers. This research, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights a significant correlation between the use of semaglutide and a reduced risk of ten out of thirteen obesity-related cancers, such as gallbladder and kidney cancer.

The study examined medical data from 1.6 million T2D patients who were treated with GLP-1 receptor antagonists (GLP-1 RAs), insulin, or metformin between March 2005 and November 2018. These patients had no previous history of cancers linked to obesity. The analysis revealed that T2D patients on GLP-1 treatments, including those branded as Ozempic and Wegovy, experienced a notable reduction in the risk of several cancers. Specifically, the risk of gallbladder cancer decreased by 65%, meningioma by 63%, pancreatic cancer by 59%, hepatocellular carcinoma by 53%, and ovarian cancer by 48%, among others.

Despite these promising results, the study did not find a significant reduction in the risk of thyroid, stomach, or breast cancer with the use of semaglutide. Additionally, no substantial decrease in cancer risk was observed when comparing GLP-1 RAs to metformin. Yoni Resnick, the director of pharmacy clinical services at New England Cancer Specialists, emphasized the broader health benefits of weight reduction medications. He noted that such treatments could lower cancer risk, enhance overall population health, and reduce healthcare costs.

The research team plans to continue their investigation, including pre-clinical and clinical trials, to further validate these findings. Beyond cancer prevention, T2D medications have shown advantages in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as strokes and heart disease. For instance, in 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration approved new labelling for Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) to highlight its potential in reducing MACE in T2D patients with heart disease.

In addition to these developments, there have been advancements in other diabetes medications. Earlier this year, Sanofi’s diabetes drug Lyxumia (lixisenatide) demonstrated potential in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. This conclusion was based on findings from a phase 2 trial, which was co-funded by Cure Parkinson’s, the US Van Andel Institute, and the French Ministry of Health.

These findings underscore the multifaceted benefits of diabetes treatments beyond glucose control, extending to cancer prevention and cardiovascular health. The ongoing research aims to provide a deeper understanding and additional therapeutic avenues for T2D patients, potentially offering them improved quality of life and better health outcomes.