Weight-loss drugs linked to dramatically lower death rates in colon cancer patients
Weight-loss medications have been found to significantly reduce death rates in colon cancer patients, according to new research.
Patients taking GLP-1 receptors, the class of drugs behind Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, were less than half as likely to die within five years compared to those who did not use the drugs, scientists at the University of California San Diego said.
In an analysis of more than 6,800 colon cancer patients, 15.5 percent of those taking the GLP-1 drug died within five years compared with 37.1 percent of those not using the drug.
The findings were published in the journal Cancer Researchsuggests that weight-loss medications may help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity; Experts say this may explain the link with lower morbidity.
Laboratory studies also suggest that GLP-1 drugs may directly inhibit cancer cell growth and trigger cancer cell death, said Raphael Cuomo, lead author of the study.
But more research is needed to determine whether the survival benefit observed in the study is a direct effect of the drugs or an indirect result of the better metabolic health brought about by GLP-1s, he said.
Consultant clinical oncologist Dr. Andy Gaya said: “This is an extremely interesting study showing early evidence that there may be a survival advantage in colon cancer patients taking GLP-1 agonist drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
“Unraveling the exact reasons why this might be the case is complex, and these are very preliminary findings. This class of drugs can certainly exert a strong anti-inflammatory effect through blood sugar control, making the environment more difficult for tumor cells to grow.”
“In addition, there may be indirect effects because patients with a high body mass index who lose significant weight will become more active, and exercise also has strong anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects that may affect survival.”
To talk Independent Previously, director of research, policy and impact at the charity Bowel Cancer UK, Dr. Lisa Wilde said: “Colorectal cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the large intestine, which consists of the colon and rectum.
“Most bowel cancers develop from precancerous growths called polyps. But not all polyps develop into cancer.”
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, with around 44,000 people diagnosed each year, according to the Bowel Cancer UK charity. More than nine in ten new cases (94 percent) are diagnosed in people over 50. But experts say bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age.
Symptoms may include unexplained fatigue, weight loss, blood in the stool, and pain or swelling in the stomach.
“Not everyone will experience all the symptoms of bowel cancer, and sometimes symptoms can come and go,” Dr Wilde said. “If you have any symptoms or your pooping habits do not seem normal to you, our advice is to consult your doctor immediately.
“They will want to hear from you and may give you a home test to help decide whether your symptoms need further investigation.”
