With more than 6,800 patients analyzed, the study shows a striking correlation between the use of these drugs and survival, particularly among obese people. The biological mechanisms are still being explored, but researchers are already calling for clinical trials to confirm these promising results.
Half as many deaths: GLP-1 is a game changer for colorectal cancer
In their study published on November 11, 2025 in Cancer Investigationresearchers from the University of California at San Diego analyzed the records of 6,871 patients with colorectal cancer. The observation is striking:
15.5% death at five years for patients on GLP-1, compared to 37.1% for others. These drugs have revolutionized the management of diabetes and obesity.
Dr. Raphael Cuomo, associate professor in the department of anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine and lead author of the study, says:
“After adjusting for age, BMI, disease severity and other factors, GLP-1 agonist users still had a significantly lower risk of death, suggesting a strong and independent protective effect”.
The effect is particularly marked in patients
very obese (BMI > 35)suggesting that these drugs may counteract the inflammatory and metabolic conditions that worsen the prognosis of colorectal cancer.
Beyond diabetes: mechanisms that could save lives
Scientists put forward several plausible explanations. GLP-1 agonists:
- Reduce systemic inflammation;
- Improve insulin sensitivity;
- Promote weight loss.
Action on these risk factors could slow tumor progression.
Laboratory studies also show that these drugs could directly inhibit the growth of cancer cells, induce their planned death
And modify the tumor microenvironment to make the tumor less aggressive.
As the authors of the study point out:
“It is not yet clear whether the reduction in mortality reflects a direct anti-cancer effect or an indirect benefit linked to improved metabolic health.”
From a promising observation to real clinical trials
These results come from a observational analysisand do not yet prove causality. But their statistical strength and their consistency across confounding factors encourage caution and hope.
At UC San Diego, Dr. Cuomo insists:
“These results highlight an urgent need for clinical trials to test whether GLP-1 drugs can actually improve cancer survival, especially for obese patients.” .
If these tests confirm the effect, Treatments already approved for diabetes and obesity could become a major tool against colorectal cancerradically transforming the patient journey and therapeutic strategies.