GLP-1 drugs have been linked to improved survival rates in patients with colon cancer

GLP-1 drugs have been linked to improved survival rates in patients with colon cancer

New findings about GLP-1 drugs and their influence on cancer survival rates

A new study from the University of California at San Diego offers compelling evidence that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists — the class of drugs behind Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro — may do more than just regulate blood sugar and weight. In an analysis of more than 6,800 patients with colorectal cancer at various University of California sites, researchers found that people who took GLP-1 drugs were less than half as likely to die within five years compared to those who did not take these drugs (15.5% versus 37.1%).

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications are medicines often used to treat diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar. Recent research shows they may also have implications for fighting cancer.

The study, led by Raphael Cuomo, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of anesthesiology at the UC San Diego School of Medicine and a member of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, used real clinical data from the University of California Health Services Data Warehouse to assess outcomes at the state's academic medical centers. After factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), disease severity and other health factors were taken into account, GLP-1 users still showed significantly lower odds of death, suggesting a strong and independent protective effect.

Who benefits the most?

The survival benefit appeared most pronounced particularly in patients with very high BMI (over 35), suggesting that GLP-1 drugs may help combat inflammatory and metabolic conditions that worsen the prognosis in colorectal cancer. Researchers believe several biological mechanisms could explain this.

How do GLP-1 medications work?

In addition to regulating blood sugar, GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce systemic inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss - all factors that can inhibit tumor formation. Laboratory studies also suggest that GLP-1 drugs can directly prevent cancer cell growth, trigger cancer cell death, and alter the tumor environment. However, the study authors emphasize that further research is needed to confirm these mechanisms and determine whether the observed survival benefit in this real-world analysis represents a direct anti-cancer effect or is an indirect result of improved metabolic health.

Cuomo points out that while these results are observational, they underscore an urgent need for clinical trials to test whether GLP-1 drugs can improve cancer survival rates, particularly in patients with obesity-related cancers.

The study appeared inCancer investigationon November 11, 2025.

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