PEOPLE with obesity who take glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have a reduced risk of cancer compared to those not using those medications, according to US research published today in JAMA Oncology.
GLP-1RAs are the class of diabetes and weight loss drugs including semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
The team looked at cancer diagnoses over a 10-year period in around 40,000 adults with obesity or who were overweight using the drugs, and compared the findings with 40,000 non-users.
The team focused on 14 cancers, most of which were associated with obesity, and found that those taking GLP-1RAs had a 17% reduction in risk for any type of cancer.
Reduction in risk was even greater for endometrial (25%), ovarian (47%) and meningioma (31%) cancers, while non-significant reductions were noted for pancreatic, bladder and breast cancers.
However, there was a slightly increased - but non-significant - risk of kidney cancer among the GLP-1RA cohort, which is consistent with another recent study that reported an increased risk of kidney cancer among people with type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1RAs compared to those taking metformin.
The researchers said the link needs further investigation.
The team suggested that the overall findings raise the hypothesis that GLP-1RAs may be associated with a lower risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.
"Given that more than 137 million individuals in the US are currently eligible for GLP-1RA therapies, even modest changes in cancer risk could have substantial public health implications," wrote the authors.
Read the paper HERE. KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 22 Aug 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 22 Aug 25
