A recent study has highlighted the potential of glucagon-like peptide–1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in reducing the risk of haematologic cancers in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). While GLP-1RAs have already been recognised for their benefits in glycaemic control and weight reduction, their relationship with haematologic cancers had not been explored until now.
Using data from the TriNetX platform, which includes electronic health records from a quarter of the U.S. population, researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 1.6 million patients with T2D. The study compared the risks of developing haematologic cancers in patients treated with GLP-1RAs, metformin, or insulin. The findings revealed that GLP-1RA treatment was associated with a significantly lower risk of cancers such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), and various types of leukemia compared to insulin.
In particular, GLP-1RAs were linked to a 54% overall reduction in the risk of haematologic cancers when compared to insulin. The study suggested that the immune-modulating effects and weight reduction associated with GLP-1RAs may play a role in lowering cancer risks, independent of glycaemic control.
This research underscores the potential of GLP-1RAs as a promising strategy for reducing cancer risk in T2D patients, though further studies are needed to fully understand the biological mechanisms behind these findings.
Helena Bradbury, EMJ
Reference
Ashruf OS et al. Hematologic cancers among patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(3):e250802.
