Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and thyroid cancer: is it the time to be concerned?

• Published in: Endocrine Connections Vol. 12; no. 11; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Lisco, Giuseppe, De Tullio, Anna, Disoteo, Olga, Piazzolla, Giuseppina, Guastamacchia, Edoardo, Sabbà, Carlo, De Geronimo, Vincenzo, Papini, Enrico, Triggiani, Vincenzo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol Bioscientifica Ltd 01.11.2023; Bioscientifica
• Subjects: dipeptidyl peptidase iv; glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist; incretin system; medullary thyroid cancer; papillary thyroid cancer; Review; medullary thyroid cancer; dipeptidyl peptidase IV; incretin system; papillary thyroid cancer; glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist
• ISSN: 2049-3614; 2049-3614
• DOI: 10.1530/EC-23-0257

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have changed considerably the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, recently published data from retrospective cohort studies suggest that chronic exposure to GLP-1RAs in T2D may increase the risk of papillary and medullary thyroid cancer. In this perspective, the role of the incretin system in thyroid carcinogenesis has been reviewed and critically commented on, aiming to understand if the time has arrived to be concerned about the risk. Although evidence suggested, speculative hypotheses should be verified, and further studies are urgently needed to clarify the issue.