Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs show promise in reducing obesity-related cancer risks
In a significant medical discovery, a class of diabetes medications, including the widely-used drug Ozempic, has been linked to a decreased risk of numerous obesity-associated cancers. This revelation was detailed in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on Friday, 5th of July, 2024.
The research meticulously analysed the health outcomes of Type 2 diabetes patients from 2005 to 2018, focusing on those treated with insulin compared to those administered GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic. The findings indicated a notable reduction in the risk of developing 10 out of 13 types of cancer examined in the study. The cancers showing decreased risk include those of the kidney, pancreas, oesophagus, ovaries, liver, and colorectum.
However, the study observed no substantial reduction in the risk of thyroid cancer and breast cancer among postmenopausal women. These findings underscore the complex relationship between metabolic disorders and cancer risks.
“Obesity is well known to be associated with at least 13 cancer types,” stated Rong Xu, the study’s lead author, in an email correspondence with AFP. Xu further commented, “Our study provides evidence that GLP-1RAs hold promise in breaking the link between obesity and cancer.”
The research not only highlights the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in managing diabetes but also their potential role in cancer prevention. The study encompassed several drugs within this category, including semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, and liraglutide, among others, with Ozempic receiving approval in the United States in 2017.
GLP-1 agonists have been utilised for approximately two decades; however, a new generation of these drugs, including Ozempic, has gained popularity for their enhanced effects on weight loss.
The protective benefits observed might influence healthcare providers to favour GLP-1 treatments over other therapeutic options such as insulin for diabetes patients, as suggested by Xu. This shift could represent a pivotal evolution in the management of diabetes and its associated cancer risks, marking a significant stride forward in integrative disease prevention strategies.
