Recent research highlights the potential advantages of GLP-1 medications, which are increasingly recognized for their weight loss and diabetes management properties. A study conducted by Indiana University and the University of Florida suggests that these drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, may also be linked to a decreased risk of certain cancers, particularly in women.
The findings were published in JAMA Oncology and are based on an analysis of health records spanning from 2014 to 2024. Researchers focused on adults aged 18 and older with obesity who had been prescribed GLP-1s, comparing their cancer incidence to that of non-users. In the study sample of 86,632 individuals, where 68.2% were female, the data indicated a notable reduction in overall cancer risk among those taking GLP-1s. The medications were specifically associated with lowered risks of cancers such as endometrial, ovarian, and meningioma.
Despite these promising results, the study also identified a potential link between the use of GLP-1 medications and an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Dr. Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, commented on the findings, noting that these results are particularly relevant given that endometrial and ovarian cancers are often linked to obesity. He stated, “The opportunities [for GLP-1s] are tremendous, and if the studies are positive, that’s game-changing — just like we see in other diseases.”
He emphasized the relationship between obesity, estrogen production, and cancer. “Some of these are also estrogen-driven cancers, and estrogen is made by fat cells,” Slomovitz explained. He elaborated further, saying, “The weight loss physically decreases the amount of fat cells and the estrogen production. By decreasing weight, this class of medications helps to decrease some of the inflammation that we see, and some of the insulin resistance.”
While Dr. Slomovitz does not personally prescribe GLP-1s to his patients, he strongly advocates for their use under expert supervision. He advises patients to consult with specialists, such as weight-loss physicians or primary care doctors, who can effectively monitor them during treatment. He acknowledged potential side effects like nausea and pancreatitis that may arise from the use of these medications.
For those recovering from endometrial cancer, Dr. Slomovitz recommends GLP-1s as part of a strategy to improve health outcomes. He tells his patients, “You’ve beat cancer. Now we need to figure out what we can do to help you live much, much longer. I tell them truthfully, they’re not going to die of cancer, but their obesity, their diabetes, their heart disease [might lead to death].”
He emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups in the five years following cancer detection, alongside the need to address weight to enhance overall health. This approach has reportedly made his patients “super happy.”
Moreover, Dr. Slomovitz noted that further research is crucial to understand whether GLP-1 medications or weight loss, in general, can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence among survivors. One of the most promising aspects of these drugs is their potential to enhance fertility in women by shrinking lesions on reproductive organs, potentially eliminating the need for surgical options like hysterectomies.
Current studies are also investigating how GLP-1s might influence hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which could play a role in alleviating obesity and infertility issues. “Anecdotally, what I’m also seeing from my patients — they’re lighter, they feel better, they’re more motivated to go to the gym, they’re motivated to exercise, they’re more motivated to [adopt] a healthier lifestyle, because they see what it could feel like lighter,” he remarked.
As the research surrounding GLP-1 medications progresses, Dr. Slomovitz believes that this class of drugs is likely to remain a significant opportunity for patient care. “[GLP-1s] are definitely here to stay … And the next generation, if it follows this trajectory, will continue to do great things for our patients.”
