The treatment landscape for type 2 diabetes and obesity has changed dramatically with the rise of GLP-1 therapies.
If you’ve been following medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound (tirzepatide), you know they belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These drugs mimic the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate insulin, blood sugar levels, and appetite.
Beyond their metabolic benefits, new research suggests these agents may play an important role in treating certain blood cancers, particularly myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
What Are MPNs and MDS?
MPNs and MDS are chronic blood cancers caused by abnormal stem cells in the bone marrow. These cells arise through somatic mutations, genetic changes that occur after birth and are not inherited. A well-known example is the JAK2 V617F mutation, common in polycythemia vera (PV) and related diseases.
Chronic inflammation drives much of the disease activity and symptoms in both MPNs and MDS. This inflammatory environment helps abnormal cells survive and grow, increasing the risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism) and disease progression, such as from PV to myelofibrosis.
Why Are Researchers Studying GLP-1 RAs for Cancer?
Interest in GLP-1 RAs has expanded because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects, in addition to glucose control.
- Modulate cell signaling: GLP-1 RAs boost cAMP activity while reducing ERK and MAPK pathways, which are often overactive in cancer.
- Promote apoptosis: They encourage programmed cell death, limiting the growth of abnormal cells.
- Maintain systemic anti-inflammation: Long-acting agents like semaglutide and tirzepatide sustain anti-inflammatory effects that may deprive malignant cells of supportive inflammatory signals.
Key Findings from a Large-Scale Study
A large real-world study using the TriNetX Analytics Network (2010–2022) analyzed outcomes in 5,291 PV patients treated with GLP-1 RAs compared with 79,027 untreated patients.
The results were presented at the 2025 Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO) Annual Meeting and showed striking differences in major clinical outcomes.
| Outcome | GLP-1 RA Users | Non-Users | Relative Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality | 4.47% | 8.72% | 48.7% reduction |
| Progression to Myelofibrosis | 1.70% | 3.06% | Significant reduction |
| Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots) | 8.33% | 11.41% | Lower incidence |
Additional observations:
- There were fewer hospitalizations and ICU admissions among GLP-1 RA users.
- Benefits remained after adjusting for diabetes, suggesting a possible direct anti-cancer effect.
What This Means for Future Treatment
Although retrospective, this evidence highlights the strong potential benefit of GLP-1 RAs in MPNs and MDS. Future Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm these observations and define treatment protocols.
If proven effective, GLP-1 RAs could become an accessible, well-tolerated option to address the inflammatory and thrombotic risks that complicate these disorders.
References
- Cheema AY, Munir M, Mandala A, Aslam F, Acharya U. Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and clinical outcomes in Polycythemia Vera: A large-scale propensity-matched cohort study. Presented at the 2025 Society of Hematologic Oncology Annual Meeting; September 3–6, 2025; Houston, TX. Abstract MPN-642.
- Ashruf OS, Hundal J, Mushtaq A, Kaelber DC, Anwer F, Singh A. Hematologic Cancers Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Prescribed GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. JAMA Network Open. 2025;8(3):e250802.
- Zhao X, Wang M, Wen Z, Lu Z, Cui L, Fu C, Xue H, Liu Y, Zhang Y. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2021.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any treatment decisions.
