Weight-loss drugs linked to dramatically lower death rates in colon cancer patients

Weight-loss drugs have been found to dramatically slash death rates in colon cancer patients, according to new research.

Patients taking GLP-1 receptors – the class of drugs behind Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro – were less than half as likely to die within five years compared to those who weren’t on the drugs, scientists at the University of California San Diego said.

In an analysis of more than 6,800 colon cancer patients, 15.5 per cent of those on GLP-1 drugs died within five years, compared to 37.1 per cent of those who were not on the drugs.

The findings, published in the journal Cancer Investigation, suggest the weight-loss drugs may help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, which experts say could explain the link to lower morbidity.

Lead author Raphael Cuomo noted that lab studies also suggest GLP-1 drugs may directly prevent cancer cell growth and trigger cancer cell death.

However, he said that more research is needed to determine whether the survival benefit observed in the study is a direct effect of the drugs, or an indirect result of better metabolic health brought about by GLP-1s.

Dr Andy Gaya, consultant clinical oncologist from the London Clinic, said: “This is a highly interesting study showing early evidence there may be a survival benefit for colon cancer patients using GLP-1 agonist drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

“It is complicated to tease out the exact reasons why this might be the case and these are very preliminary findings. This class of drugs can certainly exert a powerful anti-inflammatory effect with their blood sugar control, which makes the environment more difficult for tumour cells to grow in.

“In addition, there may be indirect effects because patients with a high BMI losing significant weight will become more active, and exercise also has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulating effects which may affect survival.”

Speaking to The Independent previously, Dr Lisa Wilde, director of research, policy, and influencing at charity Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum.

“Most bowel cancers develop from pre-cancerous growths, called polyps. But not all polyps develop into cancer.”

Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 people diagnosed every year, according to charity Bowel Cancer UK. More than nine out of ten new cases (94 per cent) are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. But experts say bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age.

Symptoms can include unexplained tiredness, weight loss, blood in stools, and pain or a lump in the stomach.

“Not everyone will have all the symptoms of bowel cancer and sometimes symptoms may come and go,” Dr Wilde said. “If you have any symptoms, or if your pooing habits just don’t feel normal for you, our advice is to contact your GP straight away.

“They will want to hear from you and may give you an at-home test to help decide whether your symptoms need further investigation.”