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GLP-1-related weight loss medications and cancer

This document provides an overview of World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) International’s position on GLP-1-related weight loss medications and cancer, including the current evidence on cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.

It explores the potential benefits and risks of GLP-1-related medications, the importance of healthy eating and physical activity alongside their use, and the key evidence gaps and research needed to understand their long-term impact on cancer risk and outcomes.

September 2026

Download the position statement (PDF, 319 KB)

  • See full list of references for this position paper
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    35. ClinicalTrials.gov. A Pilot Study to Estimate Early Clinical Efficacy Signals of a Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1RA) Administration in Conjunction With Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device (LNG-IUD) in Obese Patients With Endometrioid Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Identifier NCT07107334. Bethesda (MD): US National Library of Medicine. Accessed 10 September 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07107334
    36. ClinicalTrials.gov. Tirzepatide With Progestin Intrauterine Device to Treat Endometrial Hyperplasia and Grade 1 Endometrial Cancer in Overweight and Obese Women. Identifier NCT07349641. Bethesda (MD): US National Library of Medicine. Accessed 10 September 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07349641
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    38. ClinicalTrials.gov. GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Plus SOC Treatment in First-line, Metastatic Pancreatic, Colorectal, or Hepatocellular Cancer. Identifier NCT07627191. Bethesda (MD): US National Library of Medicine. Accessed 10 September 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07627191
    39. ClinicalTrials.gov. Tirzepatide’s Role in Postmenopausal HR+ Breast Cancer Survivors. Identifier NCT07257484. Bethesda (MD): US National Library of Medicine. Accessed 10 September 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07257484
    40. ClinicalTrials.gov. A Phase II Randomized Study of Interventions for Metabolic Protection Against Cardiometabolic Toxicity During Androgen Deprivation Therapy (IMPACT-ADT). Identifier NCT07202247. Bethesda (MD): US National Library of Medicine. Accessed 10 September 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07202247
    41. ClinicalTrials.gov. Resistance Exercise and Incretin Mimetic for Cardiometabolic Health in Survivors of ALL With Obesity.Identifier NCT07228741. Bethesda (MD): US National Library of Medicine. Accessed 10 September 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07228741
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A person lifts their shirt and injects GLP-1 medication into their abdomen while standing in a bedroom, a routine that has sparked recent discussions about the possible links between GLP-1 medications and cancer.

GLP-1 medications and cancer

Interest in the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is growing rapidly. Learn what they are, what the current evidence says and where research is heading.

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