Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, commonly called GLP-1 drugs, may reduce colorectal cancer risk. New research shows GLP-1 drugs could be more protective than aspirin. Researchers presented the findings at the ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCOGI). They have sparked interest in the medical community. Colorectal cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers.
Colorectal cancer is a major health burden. Doctors diagnose around 42,000 new cases every year, and early detection and prevention greatly improve survival. Worldwide, the condition is also among the leading causes of cancer death. These new results suggest a potential role for medications already widely used for type 2 diabetes and obesity management.
New data shows patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists were much less likely to develop colorectal cancer than aspirin users. The study analysed real-world data from more than 280,000 adults.
Researchers compared GLP-1 users with matched aspirin users. GLP-1 users had a 36% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer than aspirin users. The protective effect rose to about 43% in people with risk factors, such as family history or poor health.
Researchers sourced information from TriNetX, a global health-care database. Researchers followed patients for years after they started either therapy. The GLP-1 RA group typically had follow-up of nearly six years, compared with shorter follow-up for the aspirin cohort. Yet across multiple analyses, the benefit of GLP-1s remained consistent.
Importantly, study authors noted that the effect for any single individual was modest. More than 2,000 people would need treatment with a GLP-1 drug to prevent one colorectal cancer case. However, because many people use these medicines, even small effects could significantly benefit public health.
GLP-1 receptor agonists include well-known medicines such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide. They work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. GLP-1 drugs help the pancreas release insulin. They also slow the movement of food through the gut.
This process lowers blood glucose levels and reduces appetite.They are already part of treatment guidelines for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Experts believe that these drugs may also reduce inflammation or slow cell growth in ways that could prevent cancer. Observational evidence from large cohorts supports this idea. For instance, a major JAMA Oncology study reported that people with type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 RAs had significantly lower colorectal cancer risk than those taking insulin or metformin. The reduction was seen even in people without obesity.
A recent meta-analysis of multiple cohort studies found that patients using GLP-1 RAs had a lower risk of colorectal cancer compared with those taking several other classes of antidiabetic drugs. This strengthens the suggestion that the signal is real rather than due to chance.
The ASCOGI data also reported differences in side effects between the two drug types. Patients on GLP-1 drugs experienced fewer cases of kidney injury, stomach ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding than those taking aspirin. On the other hand, common GLP-1 side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort were more frequent.
Aspirin’s use as a colorectal cancer preventative has declined over time due to bleeding risks. This new comparison suggests that GLP-1 drugs might offer cancer protective benefits with fewer serious adverse effects. However, long-term safety still requires careful study.
While these findings are compelling, specialists emphasise that observational evidence cannot prove causation. Researchers need to conduct randomized clinical trials to confirm whether GLP-1 therapy directly reduces colorectal cancer risk. Researchers also want to understand whether factors such as obesity, diabetes status, lifestyle and genetics modify that potential benefit.
Bodies such as NICE and NHS England will likely monitor these developments closely. If prospective trials confirm the protective effect, it could change colorectal cancer prevention strategies. This would be especially important for people with metabolic risk factors.
Emerging evidence from ASCOGI shows a significant link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and lower colorectal cancer risk. This reduction appears stronger compared with aspirin. Although the data are not yet definitive, the findings open new avenues for research. They also suggest potential future applications in cancer prevention. Healthcare providers and policymakers should watch these developments, as they may eventually affect clinical practice.
Sources
- “Do GLP-1 RAs Reduce the Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer More Than Aspirin?” — The ASCO Post.ASCO Post
- NIH summary: GLP-1 receptor agonists and colorectal cancer risk.National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Meta-analysis on GLP-1 RAs and colorectal cancer risk.PubMed
