The emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in treating or preventing cancer.

Abstract

With the growing incidence of obesity-related malignancies, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists represent an intriguing potential clinical avenue for cancer prevention and treatment. Population-based data suggest that individuals who have taken GLP-1 receptor agonists have a decreased incidence of obesity-related cancers. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the antitumor activity of these agents independent of other antineoplastic therapeutics. Additionally, other pre-clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists may help overcome resistance to chemotherapy-refractory cancer cells, thus demonstrating a plausible role in cancer treatment. Randomized controlled trials utilizing GLP-1 receptor agonists in both cancer prevention and treatment may allow for a better understanding of the role of these agents in modern oncology.