A groundbreaking study has found that GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Mounjaro and Ozempic , may halve the risk of developing pancreatic cancer over five years.

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The study, presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual conference in Chicago, examined health records of about 90,000 U.S. patients with chronic pancreatitis or type 2 diabetes, both established risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

Researchers found that use of GLP-1 drugs was associated with a roughly 50% reduction in the risk of developing pancreatic cancer over five years.

The findings open the possibility that GLP-1 drugs could be offered to high-risk individuals, including those without obesity.

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Recent large-scale analyses have not found conclusive evidence of an increased pancreatitis risk among users of GLP-1 drugs,despite a rare side effect listed in patient information leaflets.

Dr. Rachna Shroff, a gastrointestinal cancers expert at the University of Arizona Cancer Center , described the results as remarkable, emphasizing the significance given that chronic pancreatitis is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

The pancreas, a pear-shaped gland behind the stomach, is essential for digestion.

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The mechanism by which GLP-1 drugs might reduce cancer risk is under investigation.

Dr. Shroff explained that GLP-1s slow gastric emptying and the movement of bile and digestive enzymes, which promotes satiety.

While this slowdown was initially thought to potentially cause bile components to clump and block pancreatic ducts,leading to inflammation, current data does not support a real-world increase in pancreatitis risk.

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Emerging evidence points to a protective effect, crucial for a disease where over 10,500 people are diagnosed annually in the UK, more than half die within three months due to late detection, and treatment options are limited.

Dr. Shroff stressed that these findings are preliminary and require further validation.

Another study at ASCO suggested GLP-1 drugs could slow the progression of seven cancer types, including lung, liver, breast, and bowel, and improve survival.

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The hypothesized mechanism involves reduction of inflammation and adipose tissue around tumors, which can fuel cancer growth.

Dr. Brian Wolpin of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute noted potential trade-offs if pancreatitis risk is elevated, underscoring the need for comprehensive research to balance benefits and risks.