Research Suggests GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Could Slow Cancer Spread

Recent research indicates that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, commonly used for weight loss, might help reduce the progression of certain obesity-related cancers. This discovery will be highlighted at the upcoming 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Study Details and Findings

The research, conducted by Cleveland Clinic, involved a retrospective study of 12,112 patients with various obesity-related cancers ranging from stage 1 to stage 3. Types of cancer included:

• Breast adenocarcinoma
• Prostate adenocarcinoma
• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Colorectal adenocarcinoma
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
• Renal cell carcinoma
• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Participants were divided into two groups: one began using GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide after their cancer diagnosis, while the other started on a different class of diabetes drugs known as DPP-4 inhibitors, or gliptins.

Risk Reduction and Observations

Results showed a significant reduction in the progression to stage 4 cancer among GLP-1 users compared to those on gliptins. Reductions included:

• Non-small cell lung cancer: 50%
• Breast cancer: 43%
• Colorectal cancer: 31%
• Liver cancer: 38%

Dr. Mark David Orland of the Taussig Cancer Institute noted that this provides initial evidence for further investigation.

Additional Insights

Although prostate, pancreatic, and kidney cancers also showed lower progression rates in those using GLP-1s, differences weren’t statistically significant. Tumors with higher GLP-1 receptor levels linked to better survival outcomes, suggesting pathways influencing cancer growth or spread.

Study Limitations and Future Directions

As a retrospective and observational study, it couldn’t definitively prove GLP-1 drugs prevent cancer progression. Factors like health conditions and metabolic improvements could have affected results. Researchers suggest randomized clinical trials for deeper evaluation.

Melissa Rudy, a senior health editor at Fox News Digital, emphasizes the importance of continuing research to understand these drugs’ impacts on cancer.