Diabetes Drug Class Found to Significantly Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk

GLP-1 receptor agonists, used in treating type 2 diabetes, show promise in preventing one of the deadliest cancers, according to a large-scale study.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes, have been found to significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a study by Case Western Reserve University.
The study analyzed data from over 1.2 million patients treated with anti-diabetic agents between 2005 and 2019, and found that those treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists had a 44% reduction in incidence of colorectal cancer compared to those treated with insulin.
Compared to patients treated with Metformin, another popular anti-diabetic drug, those treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists had a 25% reduction in colorectal cancer incidence.
The protective effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists was observed in patients with or without overweight/obesity, suggesting potential benefits beyond weight management.
The findings support the need for clinical trials to determine whether these medications could prevent one of the deadliest types of cancers, and potentially other types of cancer associated with obesity and diabetes.