Can people who have had cancer take anti-obesity drugs?

Dear reader,

Drugs belonging to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, which are among those commonly called anti-obesity drugs, have been associated with an increased risk of developing a particular type of thyroid cancer in small rodents. It is unknown whether the same risk exists for humans. Based on these experimental data, in the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has contraindicated the use of GLP-1 analogues (including those containing the active ingredient semaglutide) in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, a rare syndrome characterized by the development of benign and malignant tumors in the glands of the endocrine system, including the thyroid and two small glands located at the upper end of each kidney (what doctors call the adrenal glands).

Following a review of the safety profile of GLP-1 analogues that included both experimental and clinical data, the European Medicines Agency concluded that current scientific evidence does not support an association between the use of these drugs and the risk of thyroid cancer. Therefore, in general, in Europe, including in Italy, these drugs could be administered to patients with a history of cancer—including thyroid cancer—but a case-by-case medical evaluation is required, taking into account the type of cancer, the treatment received, and the patient's general health. It should also be noted that these drugs have only recently been used in clinical practice. Therefore, further studies will be needed to assess their long-term safety, even in patients with a history of cancer.

*Norberto Perico is Head of the Laboratory of Advanced Phases of Drug Development in Humans at the Mario Negri Institute, Milan

The information provided is intended for informational purposes only: it does not constitute medical advice and cannot replace diagnoses or treatment recommendations from your doctor or specialist .