GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Associated with Reduced Mortality in Elderly Cancer Patients with T2D
A recent study shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with lower mortality rates in elderly cancer patients with type 2 diabetes, offering promising survival benefits in this vulnerable population.
Recent research indicates that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) is linked to a decrease in all-cause mortality among older adults suffering from both cancer and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Published online on July 18, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, the study highlights the potential survival benefits of this medication class compared to other antidiabetic drugs.
The study, led by Dr. Rotana M. Radwan from the University of Florida, analyzed Medicare data from 2013 to 2020, focusing on patients aged 66 and older diagnosed with one of nine common cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and others, alongside T2D. Using retrospective cohort methods and propensity score matching, researchers compared outcomes between patients on GLP-1 RAs, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i).
Findings revealed that, while there was no significant difference in mortality risk between GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2i users, patients on GLP-1 RAs had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those on DPP4i, with a hazard ratio of 0.60. The survival advantage persisted across various subgroups, including different ages, sexes, races, and cancer types such as colorectal, lung, and breast cancers.
The authors suggest that the systemic effects of GLP-1 RAs might contribute to these observed survival benefits, although they caution that causality cannot be definitively established. Notably, some authors disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the need for further research.
This study adds important evidence to the potential clinical benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in managing complex cases involving cancer and diabetes in the elderly, potentially influencing future therapeutic strategies.
For more details, the full study can be accessed via JAMA Network Open, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.21887.
(Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-glp-receptor-agonist-linked-mortality.html)
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