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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Early Detection and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Published on: February 16, 2024
Reassessing cancer risk with GLP-1 receptor agonists: a comprehensive meta-analysis of gastrointestinal malignancies
Adil Farooq Wali1, Imran Rangraze2, Shehla Khan3
1RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras AlKhaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Background And Objectives:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. While their metabolic benefits are established, concerns persist about a possible link with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. This study aimed to clarify the association between GLP-1 RA use and GI cancer risk.
Materials And Methods:
A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus till August 2024 identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting GI cancer outcomes. Ninety-three RCTs with 1.85 million participants were included. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses by cancer type and exposure duration.
Results:
GLP-1 RA use was not associated with an increased overall risk of GI cancers (HR 0.81: 95% CI: 0.68-0.96). Subgroup analyses indicated reduced risks of colorectal cancer (HR 0.81: 95% CI: 0.68-0.96) and liver cancer (HR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.62-0.88). Pancreatic cancer risk was not significantly elevated (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.61-0.95). Findings were consistent across sensitivity analyses.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis of RCTs provides reassuring evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists were not associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers, with signals suggesting a possible reduction in colorectal and liver cancer incidence that should be interpreted cautiously. These results support the continued safe use of GLP-1 RAs in T2DM and obesity, although longer trials with cancer-specific endpoints are warranted. This review was registered in Open Science Framework https://osf.io/3rv6d/overview.
Systematic Review Registration:
https://osf.io/3rv6d/overview.
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