Weight-loss drugs linked to reduced breast cancer risk, studies show
Studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago suggest that GLP-1 weight-loss medications may reduce the risk of developing or dying from certain cancers. One analysis of 110,000 women aged 45 to 80 found that those taking GLP-1 drugs were 30% less likely to develop breast cancer compared with those not taking the medications. A second study involving 27,000 breast cancer patients reported that adding weight-loss drugs to standard treatment was associated with a 30% lower risk of death. A third study of 12,000 patients with breast, lung, bowel or liver cancer found that those on weight-loss drugs were 38% to 50% less likely to have their disease progress to stage four. Researchers described the findings as observational and said they do not confirm a causal link, but added that the drugs warrant further investigation as potential cancer prevention and treatment tools. Some experts noted that the anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects of GLP-1 medications could play a role beyond weight loss.
What’s reported
One analysis of 110,000 women aged 45 to 80 found that those taking GLP-1 medications were 30% less likely to develop breast cancer.
A second study of 27,000 breast cancer patients found that adding weight-loss drugs to standard treatment reduced the risk of death by 30%.
A third study of 12,000 patients with breast, lung, bowel or liver cancer found that those on weight-loss drugs were 38% to 50% less likely to develop stage-four disease.
The studies were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago.
GLP-1 medications mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, regulate blood sugar and appetite, and are used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Dr Elizabeth McDonald of the University of Pennsylvania called the findings observational but said they add to evidence worth investigating.
Dr Marcin Chwistek of Fox Chase Cancer Center said GLP-1s have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties.
Dr Eleonora Teplinsky of Valley Health System said it is unclear whether benefits stem from weight loss or other factors.
Open questions
Whether the potential benefits of weight-loss drugs against cancer are due to weight loss or other mechanisms, as noted by Dr Eleonora Teplinsky. The observational nature of the studies means causal links have not been established.
Key figures
Dr Elizabeth McDonald – professor of radiology at the University of Pennsylvania and breast radiologist at the Abramson Cancer Center
Dr Marcin Chwistek – director of supportive oncology and palliative care at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia
Dr Eleonora Teplinsky – head of breast and gynecologic medical oncology at Valley Health System in New Jersey
Sources: The Guardian
