Study indicates popular weight loss drug increases risk of ‘silent’ cancer
(MENAFN) Popular weight-loss medications such as Ozempic may raise the risk of developing kidney cancer, according to a new study, though they may reduce the risk of several other obesity-related cancers.
The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in May and reported by the Daily Mail on Tuesday. Researchers analyzed the health records of over 86,000 Florida patients across a decade. They identified 83 cases of kidney cancer among users of GLP-1 drugs—like Ozempic and Wegovy—compared to 58 cases in a similar group not taking these medications, suggesting a 33% higher risk.
GLP-1 drugs are commonly prescribed for weight loss and diabetes. Kidney cancer, often referred to as a “silent” disease, can go unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages, making early detection difficult and reducing survival chances.
Lead researcher Dr. Hao Dai of Indiana University emphasized that the study does not prove these drugs cause kidney cancer but called the association “worrisome” and recommended closer monitoring of patients on these medications.
Interestingly, while kidney cancer risk appeared to rise, the study also found that the same drugs may help reduce the likelihood of developing more than a dozen other obesity-related cancers, such as uterine and ovarian cancers. These results echo findings from a 2023 study of 1.6 million diabetic patients, which also indicated a 54% higher risk of kidney cancer in GLP-1 users compared to those on metformin.
Experts suspect the increased risk may stem from side effects like dehydration and frequent vomiting, which can damage kidney function. There's also speculation that the drugs may influence cell growth in the kidneys.
Despite the cancer risk, Ozempic has also shown benefits for kidney health in other contexts. The FDA has approved it for reducing the risk of kidney complications in Type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease, with research showing a 24% drop in serious kidney issues.
Doctors stress the need for further research to fully understand how GLP-1 drugs affect long-term kidney health and cancer development.
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