ASCO: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists May Reduce Risk for Obesity-Related Cancer, All-Cause Death

WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2025 (HealthDay News) — For adults with diabetes and obesity, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are associated with a reduced risk for obesity-related cancer compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, according to a study scheduled to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, held from May 31 to June 4 in Chicago.

Noting that obesity is a risk factor for cancer development, Lucas Mavromatis, from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, and colleagues examined whether GLP-1 RAs reduce the risk for obesity-related cancer in adults with diabetes and obesity compared to weight-neutral DPP-4 inhibitors. Data were included for 85,015 adults with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m² and a diagnosis of diabetes who newly initiated a GLP-1 RA or DPP-4 inhibitor between 2013 and 2023. Patients prescribed GLP-1 RAs were matched 1:1 on propensity score with those prescribed DPP-4 inhibitors.

The researchers found that the risks for obesity-related cancers and all-cause death were lower during a mean follow-up of 3.9 years (adjusted hazard ratios, 0.93 and 0.92, respectively) in association with GLP-1 RA versus DPP-4 inhibitor use. Protective associations were seen between GLP-1 RA use and colon and rectal cancers.

“Our results suggest [GLP-1 RAs] may modestly cut the chance of developing certain cancers — especially cancers of the colon and rectum — and reduce rates of death due to all causes,” Mavromatis said in a statement. “These data are reassuring, but more studies are required to prove causation.”

One author disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.

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