Can GLP-1s Double Colorectal Cancer Risk?
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September 5, 2025
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2 min
A meta-analysis evaluated the association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in over 5 million patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that GLP-1 RA users had more than double the risk of developing CRC (RR 2.31; p < 0.0001), though differences in CRC incidence compared to other medications like DPP-4 inhibitors and metformin were not significant (OR: 1.73; p = 0.61). Authors advocate for further long-term studies and careful patient assessment regarding CRC risk when prescribing GLP-1 RAs.
1. Meta-analysis of 5 million patients assessing GLP-1 RAs and CRC risk. 2. More than doubled CRC risk with GLP-1 RAs (RR 2.31). 3. Quality of studies rated low to moderate risk of bias. 4. No significant difference in CRC risk when compared to DPP-4 inhibitors or metformin. 5. Need for further investigation on long-term safety of GLP-1 RAs. 6. Recommendations for personalized risk assessment in patients with preexisting CRC risk factors. 7. Source: BMC Gastroenterology.
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