New research reveals a surprising connection between a popular medication and blood cancers fueled by inflammation. Drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists—including Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar medications- have revolutionized care for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Now, they could open new possibilities for patients with inflammation related blood cancers like MPNs and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs).
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) help lower blood sugar, support insulin production, slow stomach emptying, and increase feelings of fullness. They act on GLP-1 receptors in organs throughout the body, and their use has grown rapidly since 2005. Although these drugs can affect many tissues, one especially interesting effect is their ability to reduce inflammation—though scientists are still working to understand exactly how this works.
Why Inflammation Matters in Blood Cancer
MPNs and MDSs are types of blood cancer that develop from abnormal blood-forming stem cells—a process called “clonal hematopoiesis.” Chronic inflammation in the body helps these harmful cell clones survive and grow, increasing cancer risk and symptom burden. When inflammation is reduced, these cells may shrink or even slow down their growth.
What Did the New Research Show?
In a large study led by Cleveland Clinic researchers, diabetes patients on GLP-1 drugs were compared to those who took standard treatments like insulin or metformin. The results:
- GLP-1 drugs were linked to a lower risk of blood cancers, especially MPNs and MDSs—more so than metformin (the well-known oncoprotective drug).
- The effect seems unique to GLP-1 drugs and may be related to their ability to maintain a “constant state of anti-inflammation,” especially with long-acting medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
While GLP-1 drugs may point to new opportunities in cancer prevention, this study shows a link—but not proof—that these drugs can prevent cancer. Additional research, including clinical trials, is needed before these medications could be considered for cancer prevention.
GLP-1 drugs can cause side effects (like upset stomach or pancreatitis), and they are approved only for diabetes and obesity right now. If you have MPN, talk with your care team before considering any new therapy.
The Future: New Directions for Cancer Research
This research highlights growing interest in early prevention strategies for cancer, especially in conditions driven by chronic inflammation and abnormal blood stem cells. Scientists hope to use clues from studies like this to develop targeted approaches and possibly repurpose metabolic drugs for patients with MPNs and other clonal blood disorders in the future.
For patients and families, the hope is clear: by tackling inflammation and its role in blood cancers, researchers are opening new doors in cancer prevention and care.
References:
Ashruf, O. S., Hundal, J., Mushtaq, A., Kaelber, D. C., Anwer, F., & Singh, A. (2025). Hematologic Cancers Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Prescribed GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. JAMA Network Open, 8(3), e250802. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0802
Anderer, S. (2025). FDA Accepts Application for Oral Version of Wegovy. JAMA, 334(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.7761
Zhao, X., Wang, M., Wen, Z., Lu, Z., Cui, L., Fu, C., Xue, H., Liu, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.721135
