GLP-1 Drugs Show Promise Beyond Weight Loss: Potential Applications in Cancer Treatment

In a groundbreaking development, researchers are exploring the potential of GLP-1 drugs, known primarily for their weight loss benefits, in cancer treatment. This unexpected application of popular medications like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound, could revolutionize oncology care.

Multifaceted Effects of GLP-1 Agonists

Deborah Phippard, chief scientific officer at Precision for Medicine, describes GLP-1 drugs as "some of the most complicated drugs I've seen in my career." These medications interact with receptors that influence numerous biological pathways, potentially impacting various aspects of health beyond weight management.

The recent FDA approval of Wegovy for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) underscores the diverse applications of GLP-1 drugs. This approval highlighted that the exact mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood, suggesting potential for further discoveries.

GLP-1s and Cancer: Emerging Evidence

Early research indicates that GLP-1 drugs may have significant implications for cancer treatment:

1. Cancer Risk Reduction: A large study of 1.6 million people with Type 2 diabetes found that those taking GLP-1s had a lower risk of developing various cancers.

2. Immunological Impact: GLP-1s appear to influence pathways governing cancer formation and spread from an immunological perspective. Phippard notes, "Looking at the function of specific T cells, NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, all of those functions you can demonstrably show change with a GLP-1 agonist."

3. Chemotherapy Resistance: Preliminary studies suggest GLP-1s might help overcome chemotherapy resistance, potentially improving outcomes for cancer patients.

4. Immunotherapy Enhancement: These drugs may boost the effects of cancer immunotherapies like Merck & Co.'s Keytruda or Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo by improving immune cell function in obese patients.

Challenges and Future Directions

While the potential of GLP-1 drugs in oncology is promising, researchers and clinicians remain cautious:

• Physicians are carefully considering the use of GLP-1s in cancer patients, particularly those with pancreatic cancer or gastrointestinal issues.
• Long-term use of GLP-1s is associated with muscle loss, which could be problematic for cancer patients.
• The increasing prevalence of GLP-1 use (nearly 12% of Americans have taken these drugs) necessitates careful consideration in clinical trial design and data interpretation.

Phippard emphasizes that standalone GLP-1 treatments for cancer are not imminent, but combination therapies with existing cancer treatments show promise. She anticipates significant developments in this area over the next 5-10 years, stating, "This is starting to buzz in the community."

As research progresses, the pharmaceutical industry may see new collaborations and clinical trials exploring the synergies between GLP-1 drugs and established cancer therapies, potentially opening new avenues for more effective and personalized cancer treatments.