Diabetes medicine may lower risk for colorectal cancer: Study

Dec 12,2023

Washington DC [US], December 11 (ANI): A revolutionary study by Case Western Reserve University researchers reveals that a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes  may also lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

The findings, published in the journal JAMA Oncology,support the need for clinical trials to determine whether these medications could prevent one of the deadliest types of cancers. Eventually, the medications may also show promise in warding off other types of cancer associated with obesity and diabetes.

"Our results clearly demonstrate that GLP-1 RAs are significantly more effective than popular anti-diabetic drugs, such as Metformin  or insulin, at preventing the development of CRC," said Nathan Berger, the Hanna-Payne Professor of Experimental Medicineat the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and the study's co-lead researcher.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs, are medications to treat type 2 diabetes. Usually given by injection, they can lower blood-sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and help manage weight. They've also been shown to reduce the rates of major cardiovascular ailments.

Importantly the protective effect of GLP-1 RAs are noted in patients with or without overweight/obesity.

"To our knowledge," said co-lead researcher Rong Xu, a professor at the School of Medicine, "this is the first indication this popular weight-loss and anti-diabetic class of drugs reduces incidence of CRC, relative to other anti-diabetic agents."

Berger and Xu are members of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Source: Healthworld