New research suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) weight-loss medications might help slow the spread of certain obesity-related cancers. A study led by the Cleveland Clinic indicates these drugs could affect lung, breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. The findings will be presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Study Details and Findings

The retrospective study included 12,112 patients diagnosed with obesity-related cancers, such as breast adenocarcinoma, prostate adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), renal cell carcinoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Participants began GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, or pramlintide after their cancer diagnosis.

The remaining group started using DPP-4 inhibitors, known as gliptins, a different type of diabetes medication. Compared to those on gliptins, GLP-1 users experienced significantly less progression to stage 4 in non-small cell lung cancer (50% reduction), breast cancer (43%), colorectal cancer (31%), and liver cancer (38%).

Comments from the Research Team

“Our study found that use of GLP-1 drugs, compared to DPP-4 inhibitors and other antidiabetic drugs, was associated with a meaningful reduction in cancer progression across four solid tumor types,” said lead author Mark David Orland, MD, from the Cleveland Clinic. “It provides early evidence that future studies are worth pursuing.”

For prostate, pancreatic, and kidney cancers, GLP-1 users also had lower spread rates, though these differences lacked statistical significance.

Receptor Levels and Survival Outcomes

Researchers also found that tumors with higher GLP-1 receptor levels, which assist cells in responding to GLP-1 hormones and drugs, were linked to better survival rates. Patients with tumors rich in these receptors were approximately one-third less likely to die during the study period.

Study Limitations and Further Research

Though the study offers insightful data, it has limitations. Conducted retrospectively and observationally, it cannot conclusively determine that GLP-1 drugs prevent cancer progression. Other factors such as health conditions, weight loss, and metabolic improvements might have influenced outcomes. Researchers noted the need for more randomized clinical trials to confirm these preliminary findings and clarify the mechanisms involved.