Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, especially once it spreads beyond its original site. Researchers are constantly searching for new ways to slow or stop this progression. A recent study presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting 2026 explored whether a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), originally developed for diabetes, might help reduce cancer spread in patients already diagnosed with certain solid tumors (Orland et al., 2026). This post breaks down the study’s findings in simple terms and explains what they could mean for cancer treatment.
Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are medications designed to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and patients with obesity lose weight. They work by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate insulin and appetite. Beyond diabetes, these drugs have shown benefits for weight loss and heart health. Recently, scientists have started to investigate whether GLP-1RAs might also affect the immune system and cancer cells, potentially slowing tumor growth or spread.
The researchers used data from a large global health network called TriNetX, which collects medical records from many hospitals. They identified 12,112 patients who had been diagnosed with early to mid-stage obesity related cancers (stage I to III) and started GLP-1RA treatment (liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda), dulaglutide (Trulicity), tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), or semaglutide (Ozempic/Rybelsus/Wegovy)), after their diagnosis. These patients were compared to a matched group taking a different diabetes drug, DPP-4 inhibitors, to see if GLP-1RA use was linked to slower cancer progression to stage IV cancer.
The study focused on seven common obesity related solid tumors:
Patients were carefully matched based on factors like age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, other health conditions, cancer treatments, and medications. The main outcome measured was whether the cancer progressed to stage IV, meaning it had spread to distant parts of the body.
The researchers also evaluated data from a separate database of tumor related data to assess whether tumor GLP-1 receptor expression was associated with how long patients lived or overall survival.
The study found that patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists had a lower risk of their cancer progressing to metastatic disease in six out of the seven cancer types studied. The reduction was statistically significant in four cancers:
No increased side effects or safety concerns were reported in patients taking GLP-1RAs compared to those on DPP-4 inhibitors.
The researchers also looked at data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to see if tumors with higher levels of GLP-1 receptor expression had better survival rates. They found that higher GLP-1 receptor levels in tumors correlated with improved overall survival, especially in breast cancer patients.
This study suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists might have a protective effect against cancer spreading after diagnosis. While these drugs are not currently approved as cancer treatments, their potential to slow progression could open new avenues for therapy, especially since they are already widely used and generally well-tolerated.
For example, a patient with early-stage breast cancer who also has diabetes might benefit from GLP-1RA treatment not only for blood sugar control but possibly also for reducing the risk of metastasis. Similarly, patients with lung or colorectal cancer could see slower disease progression if these findings are confirmed in future clinical trials.
While the results are promising, this study is observational and cannot prove cause and effect. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm whether GLP-1 receptor agonists can be safely and effectively used as part of cancer treatment.
Researchers will also explore which patients might benefit most, optimal dosing, and how GLP-1RAs could be combined with existing cancer therapies like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
This exciting research not only highlights GLP-1 agonists as potential anti-cancer drugs but also should also highlight the importance of obesity and its role in cancer. Obesity is a known risk factor for many cancers and studies show that sustained weight loss of 10% or more significantly lowers the risk of at least 13 obesity-related cancers (such as breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer) by reducing chronic inflammation, lowering insulin resistance, and balancing hormone levels (Ipaye et al., 2025). Research also shows that obesity itself increases the risk of cancer recurrence and death (Puklin et al., 2023, Pang et al., 2022). One large systematic review demonstrated that intentional weight loss reduced cancer recurrence after diagnosis in certain obesity related cancers (Liao et al., 2025)
GLP-1 agonist drugs are not yet approved for cancer treatment, and decisions should be based on current medical guidelines and individual health needs. This research highlights the exciting possibility that medications developed for one disease may have unexpected benefits in others. It also shows the importance of large health databases in uncovering new treatment opportunities.
GLP-1 receptor agonists show potential to slow the spread of several common cancers, offering hope for improved outcomes after diagnosis. As science advances, these findings could lead to new strategies that combine metabolic and cancer therapies for better patient care. If you are overweight or obese work with your healthcare professional on evidence-based strategies to lose weight and maintain weight loss to reduce your chance of developing cancer. Also check out important tips and recipes on how to stay healthy and lose weight on this website. Stay informed and consult your medical team to understand how emerging research might impact your treatment options.
For more information on obesity related cancers:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace or constitute professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare for medical care and advice and consult your provider before making significant lifestyle changes.
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