GLP-1s and Cancer: Popular Weight Loss Drugs Go Beyond The Scale

GLP-1 (short for glucagon-like peptide-1) medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) have transformed the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. These drugs mimic naturally occurring peptide hormones in the body that help regulate appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism. Because these drugs are so effective and new research is uncovering additional benefits beyond blood sugar control and weight loss, these drugs are increasing in popularity and are now being taken by approximately 10 million people each month. The uses for these drugs are expanding, and new indications continue to be FDA approved. The link between GLP-1 drugs and cancer prevention, risk, and treatment is now becoming more apparent. There has been longstanding research on obesity increasing the risk for developing certain cancers, and recently, observational studies have associated the use of GLP-1s with lower rates of breast cancer and blood cancers. In this episode of CancerCast, Dr. Manish Shah talks with obesity expert Dr. Louis Aronne about the emerging connection between GLP-1 medications, weight loss, and cancer incidence. Drs. Shah and Aronne discuss the relationship between obesity and oncology, including how chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormones play a role in both these areas. Listen to their insights regarding what we already know about GLP-1 medications and cancer and where the research is headed next. The intersection of obesity, metabolism and cancer research may ultimately open new doors for cancer prevention and care.

Guest: Louis Aronne, MD, Director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.