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UCSD Study Links GLP-1 Drugs to Much Lower Five-Year Mortality in Colon Cancer

Researchers urge randomized trials to determine whether the association reflects a direct cancer benefit.

Overview

  • The retrospective analysis of more than 6,800 UC Health patients found 15.5% five-year mortality among GLP-1 users versus 37.1% among nonusers.
  • Results remained significant after adjustment for age, body mass index, cancer stage, and other health conditions.
  • The association was strongest in patients with severe obesity, defined as a BMI over 35.
  • The study, led by Raphael Cuomo, Ph.D., was published November 11 in the journal Cancer Investigation using the University of California Health Data Warehouse.
  • GLP-1 medicines assessed include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), with authors noting possible metabolic or direct tumor effects that require confirmation in trials.