It’s not just for diabetes anymore
GLP-1 receptor agonists [semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)] are proving transformational for type II diabetes patients in particular and for obese individuals in general. Now, it appears they have benefits in cancer patients.
“Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with four solid tumor types was significantly associated with lower rates of progression to metastatic disease over a 5-year period, a propensity score-matched analysis found.
“In patients with stage I-III colorectal, liver, breast, or lung cancers, those who started a GLP-1 drug after their cancer diagnosis had a 31% to 50% lower risk of progression to stage IV disease compared with patients who initiated another class of antidiabetic drug, DPP-4 inhibitors, reported Mark David Orland, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute.”
*snip*
“Initially approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 drugs now carry indications in cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, steatotic liver disease, and more, with an estimated 20 million Americans taking the blockbuster medications . . . But GLP-1 agents have never been considered to just be glucose-lowering drugs, with anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory properties hinting at broader effects, along with emerging preclinical data suggesting possible anti-tumor activity.”
Further studies are needed before GLP-1 receptor agonists become standard of care, but it’s worth noting that it’s almost always metastasis that kills, not the primary tumor.
Stay tuned.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and metastatic cancer
“Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with four solid tumor types was significantly associated with lower rates of progression to metastatic disease over a 5-year period, a propensity score-matched analysis found.
“In patients with stage I-III colorectal, liver, breast, or lung cancers, those who started a GLP-1 drug after their cancer diagnosis had a 31% to 50% lower risk of progression to stage IV disease compared with patients who initiated another class of antidiabetic drug, DPP-4 inhibitors, reported Mark David Orland, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute.”
*snip*
“Initially approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 drugs now carry indications in cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, steatotic liver disease, and more, with an estimated 20 million Americans taking the blockbuster medications . . . But GLP-1 agents have never been considered to just be glucose-lowering drugs, with anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory properties hinting at broader effects, along with emerging preclinical data suggesting possible anti-tumor activity.”
Further studies are needed before GLP-1 receptor agonists become standard of care, but it’s worth noting that it’s almost always metastasis that kills, not the primary tumor.
Stay tuned.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and metastatic cancer
Joel:
That is good news. A potential cure or treatment for serious disorders.
“Initially approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 drugs now carry indications in cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, steatotic liver disease, and more, with an estimated 20 million Americans taking the blockbuster medications . . .”
I am guessing it is still in research ?