Exploring the Intersection of GLP-1 Therapy, Obesity, and Early Cancer Risk

Dax Kurbegov, MD, senior vice president at HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network, of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, discusses the potential role of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are increasingly being used for obesity and diabetes, in modifying cancer risk and improving early detection strategies. While these drugs have demonstrated benefits in reducing cardiovascular morbidity, their impact on cancer risk remains an open question.

Kurbegov emphasizes that obesity, like smoking or radon exposure, is a modifiable risk factor, and weight loss through GLP-1 therapy could influence cancer risk. However, robust data in oncology populations is still lacking. “I do not think we have that data yet in terms of the cancer population,” he notes, but highlights the importance of proactive discussions about inherited vs modifiable risk factors. For higher-risk patients, enhanced screening or lifestyle interventions may become key components of prevention.

The rapid adoption of GLP-1 drugs presents both opportunities and challenges for research. While randomized controlled trials would provide definitive answers, Kurbegov acknowledges that real-world evidence could also offer valuable insights, though such studies require significant investment, large patient cohorts, and long-term follow-up. “The challenge is the utilization of those agents is going up, and are we capturing the data related to what the long-term journey for those individuals is?” he asks.

As GLP-1 therapies continue to gain traction, their potential role in cancer risk reduction and early detection warrants further exploration. Kurbegov’s insights underscore the need for structured research to determine whether weight loss mediated by these drugs could translate into meaningful oncologic benefits, a critical question for the future of preventive care.

“Certainly, I think there are real-world data out there that might be informative as well, but those studies require investment, large numbers of patients, and substantive periods of watching how likely, how frequent, [and] how often are those going to be,” he adds.