Recent research indicates that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) weight-loss medications may assist in slowing the spread of certain cancers. A study led by Cleveland Clinic reveals a potential reduction in the progression of obesity-related cancers such as lung, breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. These findings are set to be unveiled at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Study Overview
The study involved a retrospective analysis of 12,112 patients with stage 1 to stage 3 obesity-related cancers. Types of cancers included breast adenocarcinoma, prostate adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), renal cell carcinoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Participants were divided into two groups. Half began a GLP-1 medication such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, or pramlintide following their cancer diagnosis. The other half used DPP-4 inhibitor ‘gliptins,’ which are a different class of diabetes medications.
Research Findings
The study reported that patients using GLP-1 drugs showed significantly lower progression to stage 4 cancer compared to those on gliptins. Notable risk reductions included:
- Non-small cell lung cancer: 50% reduction
- Breast cancer: 43% reduction
- Colorectal cancer: 31% reduction
- Liver cancer: 38% reduction
“Our study found that use of GLP-1 drugs, compared to DPP-4 inhibitors and other antidiabetic drugs, was associated with a meaningful reduction in cancer progression across four solid tumor types,” stated Mark David Orland, MD, of the Taussig Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic.
Although reductions were noted for prostate, pancreatic, and kidney cancers, the differences were not statistically significant.
Key Insights on GLP-1 Drugs
Tumors with higher levels of GLP-1 receptors, proteins aiding cell response to GLP-1 hormones and drugs, showed better survival outcomes. Patients whose tumors had more receptors were approximately one-third less likely to die during the study.
The study speculated that GLP-1 pathways might directly affect cancer growth or spread. The adverse side effects were similar between GLP-1 and gliptin groups.
Need for Further Research
Researchers noted limitations of the study, emphasizing its retrospective, observational design. Consequently, it does not conclusively prove GLP-1 drugs’ role in preventing cancer progression. Factors such as participants’ health conditions, weight loss, and metabolic improvements could have impacted the results.
Larger randomized clinical trials are essential to evaluate these preliminary findings and delineate how GLP-1s influence cancer progression.
Research needs further exploration to understand the mechanisms by which GLP-1 pathways influence cancer dynamics.