Khaberni - Researchers at the University of California in San Diego studied more than 6,800 patients who were taking one of these common medications for diabetes and weight loss.
They found that the patients were less likely to die within five years compared to those who did not take these medications. Only about 15 percent of users of “GLP - 1” medications died within five years compared to 37 percent of non-users, according to a press release.
Dr. Raphael Cuomo, the lead author of the study for Fox News, said: "The main message is that (GLP - 1) medications were associated with a significant decrease in mortality rate over five years among patients with colon cancer," noting that "this indicator was more pronounced for patients with severe obesity, with a body mass index of 35 or more."
He added: "When looking at the combined results; they align with the idea that improving metabolic health and reducing obesity-related inflammation can lead to better cancer outcomes, not just better control of blood sugar levels."
The researcher said that the results, which were published in the "Cancer Investigation" journal, on November 11th, were surprising.
Cuomo said: "I expected some benefit for patients with severe obesity, as (GLP - 1) treatments directly target the metabolic and inflammatory environment that leads to worse outcomes in colon cancer, but the absolute difference in mortality rate over five years was larger than many doctors would expect."
The statement noted that one of the possible reasons for this effect is that “GLP - 1” medications are known for their ability to reduce inflammation, lower insulin levels, and promote weight loss, all factors that can also slow cancer growth.
Some scientists also suspect that these drugs may directly affect tumor cells, although this has not yet been proven.
Dr. Sue DeCotiis, a medical weight loss specialist in New York City, agreed that “GLP - 1” drugs are known to “significantly reduce” systemic inflammation by lowering cytokines, inflammatory agents produced by fat cells. This in turn helps prevent various health issues throughout the body.
DeCotiis, who did not participate in the study, told Fox News: "This could be a direct effect of (GLP - 1) medication in reducing inflammation in certain areas, so it is not surprising to see improvement in the survival of cancer patients."
Dr. Mark Siegel, chief medical analyst for Fox News, who did not participate in the research, noted that the study is observational, and therefore cannot prove causation, but it is “very exciting, as it aligns with what has become clearer and clearer about these drugs."
He continued: "They are specifically anti-inflammatory agents at a systemic level, overcoming insulin resistance and improving metabolic function. Metabolic dysfunction, especially when accompanied by inflammatory substances, can be precursors to cancer, including colon cancer."
The possible limitations included some restrictions in the study, most notably that it could not prove that “GLP - 1” drugs were the cause of improved survival but only demonstrated an association.
Siegel cautioned: "It is an important note... not all results may be suitable for all people. The slowed gastric emptying associated with these drugs could be a carcinogenic factor in some patients, possibly those with inflammatory bowel diseases."
Cuomo noted that the number of patients who actually received “GLP - 1” drugs was limited compared to the full group, and that the researchers did not have “completely full information” regarding dosage, duration of treatment, or compliance for each individual.
He added: “Our data comes from a single integrated academic health system, so the applicability of the results should be tested in other environments."
Further research and randomized studies are needed to confirm whether “GLP - 1” drugs actually improve survival rates for cancer patients.
Cuomo said: "Patients should not interpret these results as proof that (GLP 1) drugs are certified cancer treatments. For now, the appropriate approach to building on this work is to ensure that people with colon cancer who also suffer from obesity or diabetes receive metabolic treatments supported by guidelines, including (GLP - 1) treatments when clinically required, as part of comprehensive care."
