The authors of the study emphasize the potential of GLP-1RAs as a treatment option for managing cardiovascular health in individuals affected by obesity, highlighting the need for extensive clinical trials to confirm their effectiveness and safety following bariatric surgery.

A recent study has revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) may offer anti-cancer benefits beyond their well-known role in weight loss, potentially reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers.

During this follow-up, it was found that 3.2% of patients who only had surgery experienced new major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) or death, compared to just 1.2% in the group treated with GLP-1RAs, indicating significant cardiovascular benefits.

Researchers from the University of Manchester are planning to launch a large-scale trial within the next three to five years, aiming to prescribe these medications before any cancer symptoms arise, similar to the preventive use of statins for heart disease.

The research involved 6,356 participants, half of whom underwent bariatric surgery while the other half used weight loss drugs, with an average follow-up period of 7.5 years.

The study also highlighted that GLP-1RAs were associated with a 67% reduction in the risk of MACE or death in individuals who did not achieve adequate weight loss or diabetes control after surgery.

Experts like Professor Jason Halford advocate for testing GLP-1 drugs in newly diagnosed cancer patients to evaluate their impact on survival rates, recognizing the growing link between obesity and various cancers.

Professor Mark Lawler described the findings as potentially transformative for cancer prevention, suggesting that this could mark a new era in preventive cancer medicine.

The global market for GLP-1RAs is projected to reach $168 billion by 2033, with companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly expected to dominate the market.

However, the study's limitations, including a small participant pool, underscore the necessity for further research to validate these findings across a broader population.

Given that obesity is responsible for approximately 23,000 cancer cases annually in the UK, addressing this issue is critical for effective cancer prevention strategies.

While GLP-1 drugs show promise, potential side effects include gastrointestinal issues and pancreatitis, although no confirmed links to pancreatic or thyroid cancer have been established.