GLP-1 Agonists: A Potentially Surprising Option for Prostate Cancer Management

The American Urology Association held its Annual Meeting in early May 2024 to discuss new research, trends in urological care, and various treatment and care guidelines. During the meeting, researchers led by the University of Sharjah School of Medicine’s Mohammad Shahait, MBBS, shared data on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and prostate cancer.

You might have heard of GLP-1 before. This peptide hormone is produced and secreted by intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells. GLP-1 increases the amount of insulin our bodies create after we eat. This keeps us full longer and regulates our blood sugar. GLP-1 agonists are traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes. More recently, GLP-1 agonists (or drugs that increase GLP-1) like Ozempic have been in the news for their ability to lower blood sugar and reduce weight.

But the research team wondered whether GLP-1 could be a target in prostate cancer. As Denise Myshko writes in Managed Healthcare Executive, various in vitro studies showed that GLP-1 receptor agonists do impact certain prostate cancer cell lines.

Evaluating the Role of GLP-1

Within the research, published in the Journal of Urology, researchers evaluated how GLP-1 gene and receptor expression appeared in prostate cancer. To begin, the research team sourced thousands of samples using clinical and transcriptome data. They then analyzed clinical factors, pathology, and 22 transcriptomic signatures.

After careful evaluation, the research team came to a conclusion. GLP-1 receptor gene expression was higher than average in people with basal prostate cancer. Basal prostate cancer, or basal cell carcinoma of the prostate, is a rare and aggressive subtype. Radiopaedia explains that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) may be normal or slightly elevated in basal prostate cancer. These tumors differ from more common forms of prostate cancer because they more extensively infiltrate glandular components and may cause necrosis.

This research builds on other studies which found GLP-1 alters cell growth and could cause cancerous cell apoptosis (cell death). Altogether, this suggests that GLP-1 agonists could fill gaps in the treatment landscape for prostate cancer — though more research must be done before we can make any concrete determinations.

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer forms in the prostate, a small gland in people assigned male at birth (AMAB) that produces seminal fluid. This cancer is more common in people older in age (50+), people who are obese, those with a family history of prostate cancer, and Black men. Additionally, in Black men, prostate cancer is often more aggressive or discovered at later stages.

In early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. However, early detection and treatment are crucial to better outcomes and longer, healthier lives. Finding ways to improve the diagnostic journey – and begin treatment early – is critical. When symptoms of prostate cancer do appear, these may include blood in the urine or semen, difficulty urinating, losing weight without trying, erectile dysfunction, and urine streams not seeming as forceful as normal.

cancer GLP-1 GLP-1 agonists medical research oncology prostate cancer

Last modified: July 18, 2024