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Updated: May 17, 2025

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GLP-1 receptor agonists in the context of cancer: the road ahead

Isabelle R Miousse1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States.

American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|April 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly used for diabetes and weight loss, impacting cancer metabolism. Further research is needed to understand their effects on cancer treatment and cachexia.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
  • A growing number of cancer patients are concurrently using GLP-1RAs, necessitating an understanding of their interactions.
  • The profound metabolic effects of GLP-1RAs suggest a significant impact on cancer cell metabolism and patient physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential impact of GLP-1RAs on cancer metabolism and treatment.
  • To review existing literature on diabetes, cancer metabolism, and cachexia in patients using GLP-1RAs.
  • To discuss the potential benefits, such as neoadjuvant effects, and risks, like muscle mass loss, associated with GLP-1RA use in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on GLP-1RAs, cancer metabolism, and cachexia.
  • Analysis of the metabolic pathways affected by GLP-1RAs in both general physiology and cancer cells.
  • Synthesis of current evidence to predict the interface between GLP-1RAs and cancer therapies.

Main Results:

  • GLP-1RAs profoundly affect patient metabolism, with predictable impacts on cancer cell metabolism.
  • Emerging evidence suggests potential neoadjuvant effects of GLP-1RAs in certain cancer patient subsets.
  • Concerns exist regarding GLP-1RA-induced weight loss potentially exacerbating muscle mass loss and cachexia.

Conclusions:

  • GLP-1RAs represent a significant factor in the metabolic landscape of cancer patients.
  • Careful consideration of GLP-1RA use is warranted in cancer patients due to potential benefits and risks.
  • Further research is crucial to elucidate the precise role of GLP-1RAs in cancer treatment and cachexia management.
Keywords:
GLP-1 receptor agonistscachexiacancertype 2 diabetes

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