A new study led by researchers at UC San Diego has uncovered a potential link between the use of GLP-1 medications and improved survival rates for patients with colon cancer. The research, published in the journal Cancer Investigation, analyzed data from over 6,800 patients who were taking these drugs, which are primarily used for diabetes and weight loss, and found that those who used them had significantly lower mortality rates within five years compared to those who did not.
The study, led by Raphael Cuomo, Ph.D., a professor of anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, found that only about 15% of GLP-1 medication users died within five years, compared to 37% of non-users. This survival benefit was consistent even after accounting for factors such as age, cancer severity, and other medical issues. The findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs may help reduce inflammation, lower insulin levels, and promote weight loss, which could improve outcomes for certain types of cancers, particularly in patients with severe obesity.
Cuomo noted that while the results were unexpected, they align with the growing understanding of how metabolic health impacts cancer outcomes. However, he emphasized that the study is observational, and therefore cannot confirm a direct causal relationship between the use of GLP-1s and improved survival. The researchers also cautioned that the study had limitations, including the fact that the data came from a single academic health system and that the exact dosing, duration, and adherence of medication use were not fully known.
Additional research is needed to determine whether GLP-1 medications can be used as an effective treatment for cancer. The study highlights the importance of integrating metabolic health into cancer care and suggests that modern therapies for metabolic conditions may offer unanticipated benefits for patients with malignancies. As the researchers conclude, these findings are a promising signal, but more studies are necessary before they can be considered a definitive treatment for cancer.