Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach
05:10

Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach

Published on: September 15, 2023

890

Approach to the Patient With Thyroid Nodules: Considering GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Clare A Kelly1, Jennifer A Sipos2

  • 1Division of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106  USA.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 14, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) show promise for diabetes and obesity but raise concerns about thyroid cancer risk. Current data are conflicting, necessitating further research for clear patient management guidelines.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) are widely used for diabetes and obesity.
  • Preclinical studies raised concerns about C-cell tumors, leading to FDA warnings for specific patient groups.
  • Emerging data suggest a possible link between GLP1RAs and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), but findings are inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing data on the association between GLP1RA use and thyroid cancer.
  • To discuss the ongoing controversies and conflicting results regarding this risk.
  • To outline future research directions for thyroid cancer risk assessment in patients using GLP1RAs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical studies on GLP1RA and thyroid cancer.
  • Analysis of conflicting data regarding differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) incidence.
  • Case-based discussion to illustrate current challenges in patient management.

Main Results:

  • Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between GLP1RAs and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
  • No clear consensus on optimal screening or monitoring strategies for thyroid cancer during GLP1RA treatment.
  • FDA has issued warnings for patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between GLP1RAs and thyroid cancer risk remains controversial.
  • Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for screening and management.
  • Patient selection and monitoring require careful consideration due to conflicting data.
Keywords:
calcitonindifferentiated thyroid cancerglucagon-like peptide 1glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonistmedullary thyroid cancerthyroid cancer

More Related Videos

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer03:55

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer

Published on: June 9, 2023

485
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy05:12

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy

Published on: May 12, 2023

3.6K

Related Concept Videos

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
301
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides01:06

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides

Repaglinide (Prandin) and Nateglinide (Starlix), known as glinides, are oral insulin secretagogues that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic β cells by closing the ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channel). Repaglinide controls insulin release from pancreatic β cells by managing potassium efflux. It shares two binding sites with sulfonylureas and also has a unique site, indicating overlapping mechanisms of action. With a rapid onset and a 4-7 hour duration, it effectively...
142
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood...
178
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon01:15

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
164
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors01:27

Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
2.4K
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
152