The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: # GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs and Cancer Risk: What the Latest Evidence Shows **GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy may not significantly alter the risk of obesity-related cancers, according to a new analysis of existing studies.**[1][2] This finding challenges some earlier optimism about these popular medications, which are widely used for weight loss and diabetes management. **Obesity itself weakens the body's cancer-fighting immune system, but GLP-1s show promise in animal studies.**[1] Duke University researcher Erika J. Crosby found that in obese mice, a cancer vaccine failed to protect against breast tumors, unlike in lean mice. **However, when obese mice received GLP-1 drugs, tumors grew more slowly, and their cancer risk dropped sharply—even on a high-fat diet.**[1] Crosby noted this effect went beyond weight loss, possibly by resetting metabolism and recalibrating immune responses to recognize cancer threats. **In human data from type 2 diabetes patients, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) reduced risks for 10 out of 13 obesity-associated cancers compared to insulin.**[2] These included esophageal, colorectal, endometrial, gallbladder, kidney, liver, ovarian, pancreatic cancers, plus meningioma and multiple myeloma. **No risk reduction was seen for postmenopausal breast cancer or thyroid cancer when comparing GLP-1RAs to insulin.**[2] Against metformin, GLP-1RAs showed no decreased risk for any cancers and were linked to higher kidney cancer risk (HR 1.54).[2] **A UC San Diego study of colon cancer patients found those on GLP-1s had dramatically lower death rates—less than half within five years.**[3] This benefit was strongest in those with BMI over 35, potentially due to reduced inflammation, better insulin sensitivity, or direct anti-tumor effects. **The American Cancer Society notes some studies suggest GLP-1s may lower risks for breast, prostate, lung, pancreatic, colon, and liver cancers.**[4] Animal studies flag a higher risk of rare medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), leading to warnings against use in those with MTC history or MEN2 syndrome.[4] **MD Anderson experts highlight evidence that GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide may cut cancer risk beyond weight loss alone.**[5] Memorial Sloan Kettering reports a small increased kidney cancer risk with these drugs, advising doctor discussions.[6] **Thyroid cancer concerns persist in some meta-analyses, though many studies show no elevated risk for differentiated thyroid cancer.**[7] **Overall, while GLP-1s offer metabolic benefits that could indirectly protect against obesity-linked cancers, human evidence is mixed and calls for more clinical trials.**[1][2][3] Patients should weigh personal risks with healthcare providers amid evolving research. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9