Obesity is a recognized risk factor for both the onset and recurrence of breast cancer. In recent advancements, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have emerged as effective options for weight management. At the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, researchers unveiled a pivotal study that explored the real-world application of GLP-1 among breast cancer patients, examining its connections to clinical outcomes, social determinants of health (SDOH), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) results.
This extensive study analyzed electronic health records from over 708,000 breast cancer patients diagnosed between January 2011 and February 2025. Utilizing artificial intelligence to assist in data extraction, researchers assessed documented GLP-1 usage, relevant clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and correlations with ctDNA testing and positivity rates.
Interestingly, 7.6% of the patients in the study were found to have documented GLP-1 usage, primarily for issues related to diabetes, weight loss, cardiovascular health, or obstructive sleep apnea. The therapy was notably more prevalent among patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, non-Latinx Black patients, individuals using telemedicine, and those residing in rural areas. In contrast, utilization was markedly lower among older adults aged over 75, patients with advanced-stage disease (stage IV), those with hormone receptor-negative and HER2-negative tumors, as well as among Latinx and Asian patients. Additionally, patients with limited English proficiency and those receiving care within community medical centers rather than academic institutions exhibited lower GLP-1 use.
The study also drew attention to a potential association between GLP-1 usage and tumor activity. Patients using GLP-1 experienced significantly higher rates of ctDNA testing (2.8% versus 1.5%) and lower positivity rates for ctDNA (25.8% versus 31.6%). These findings suggest that GLP-1 therapy may be linked to a reduction in circulating tumor activity, which raises compelling questions regarding whether these medications could have a supportive role in oncology care beyond their primary purpose of weight management.
The researchers emphasized the broader implications of their findings, noting that clinical factors, sociodemographic differences, and SDOH significantly affect the use of GLP-1 therapies. They highlighted the existing disparities in access to such treatments, underscoring the necessity for further studies to determine whether GLP-1 medications can directly improve breast cancer outcomes. Ensuring equitable access to supportive therapies for diverse populations is critical.
This analysis represents one of the most extensive investigations into the real-world use of GLP-1 in breast cancer, offering valuable insights into its potential benefits and raising new avenues for future research. As the dialogue around obesity and its connection to cancer becomes increasingly relevant, studies like this provide essential data that could influence treatment approaches and health policies moving forward.
Reference: Ryals CA et al. Real-world glucagon-like peptide 1 use and association with clinical characteristics, social determinants, and circulating tumor DNA positivity in patients with breast cancer. Abstract PD8-07-02. SABCS 2025; 9-12 December.
Original Source: https://www.emjreviews.com/oncology/news/sabcs-2025-tracking-glp-1-use-in-breast-cancer-care/
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Publish Date: 2025-12-15 03:45:00
