A RECENT study investigating the association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and thyroid cancer in adults with type 2 diabetes has revealed an increased risk of thyroid cancer diagnoses within the first year of starting GLP-1RA therapy. The analysis, which included over 351,000 adults at moderate risk for cardiovascular disease, compared patients using GLP-1RA to those taking other common diabetes medications.
The research found that although the overall risk of thyroid cancer was low across all treatment groups, patients who began GLP-1RA therapy were more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the short term. Specifically, those starting GLP-1RA had a significantly higher risk of thyroid cancer within the first year of treatment (HR 1.85), compared to those taking other diabetes medications, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i), or sulfonylureas. The risk was further amplified when accounting for treatment discontinuation or medication changes.
Researchers suggest this finding may be due to increased vigilance and case detection rather than a direct causal effect of GLP-1RA therapy on thyroid cancer development. Despite the increased short-term risk, the long-term impact remains unclear, and further studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.
This analysis adds to the growing body of evidence surrounding the safety profile of GLP-1RA therapies and emphasises the need for continued monitoring in clinical practice.
Helena Bradbury, EMJ
Reference
Brito JP et al. GLP-1RA Use and Thyroid Cancer Risk. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2025; doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2024.4852.
