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A groundbreaking study by Israeli scientists has shown that GLP-1-based weight-loss drugs, such as liraglutide, exenatide, and dulaglutide, could reduce obesity-related cancer risk by up to 50%. The study followed 6,000 adults with no history of cancer, comparing those who underwent bariatric surgery with those who took GLP-1 receptor agonists. Both groups experienced significant reductions in cancer risk, suggesting that the drugs might protect against cancer through mechanisms beyond weight loss.

Study Shows GLP-1 Drugs Offer More Than Weight Loss Benefits

While participants who underwent bariatric surgery lost more weight than those on GLP-1 drugs, the reductions in cancer risk were similar in both groups. The researchers found that GLP-1 medications offer protective benefits against cancer, likely due to their ability to reduce inflammation—an important factor in cancer development. These findings challenge the traditional view that weight loss alone is the primary factor in reducing cancer risk.

GLP-1 Medications Could Lead to a Cancer Prevention Revolution

Co-lead author, Prof Dror Dicker, explained that GLP-1 drugs likely reduce cancer risk through multiple biological pathways, beyond just weight loss. He believes that newer, more powerful GLP-1 versions could offer even greater protection against cancer. However, he stressed the importance of ongoing research to ensure these drugs do not inadvertently increase the risk of other types of cancer.

Emerging Studies Show New Weight-Loss Drugs Outperforming Others

A separate study highlighted that patients taking Mounjaro, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, lost 50% more weight than those taking Wegovy, another popular weight-loss drug. The Mounjaro group achieved a 20.2% weight loss, compared to 13.7% in the Wegovy group. This new finding strengthens the potential of GLP-1-based medications in both weight management and cancer prevention.

Cancer Researchers Hail Breakthrough as a Game-Changer

Experts in oncology are optimistic about the potential of GLP-1 drugs in cancer prevention. Prof Mark Lawler from Queen’s University Belfast called the findings “game-changing.” He explained that targeting GLP-1 receptors can help reduce inflammation, which is a known contributor to the development of many cancers. Prof Lawler emphasized that a simple injection could one day help prevent a range of cancers, including breast, colon, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer, in the general population.

The Need for Testing in Cancer Patients

Despite the promising results, some experts urge further testing of GLP-1 drugs in cancer patients. Prof Jason Halford from Leeds University suggested that the drugs should be tested on newly diagnosed cancer patients, as managing weight after diagnosis could significantly improve survival rates. He sees this discovery as the beginning of a new era in both obesity and cancer treatment.

Global Experts Demand Urgent Action

A group of 54 experts from 12 countries has called for immediate clinical trials focused on cancer prevention using GLP-1 drugs. These experts are urging governments and medical institutions to prioritize testing GLP-1 medications in large populations, to confirm their role in cancer prevention on a global scale.

UK Research Team Plans Large-Scale Cancer Prevention Trial

In the UK, researchers at the University of Manchester, supported by Cancer Research UK, are planning a large-scale trial to test the potential of GLP-1 drugs in preventing cancer. The trial, which is expected to involve tens of thousands of participants, aims to begin within the next three to five years.

Doctors See Global Potential for GLP-1 Drugs

Dr. Matthew Harris from the Manchester Cancer Research Centre described the results as “fantastic” and “unmatched.” He highlighted the potential for GLP-1 drugs to serve as a scalable intervention for cancer prevention on a population-wide level. If proven effective, these medications could revolutionize cancer prevention strategies globally.

The promising results from this research suggest that GLP-1-based weight-loss drugs could play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers. As experts call for large-scale clinical trials and further research, there is optimism that these drugs could be an important tool in cancer prevention for millions worldwide.