Do saxenda and wegovy have any role in prostate cancer?
Updated: Sep 2, 2025
A Closer Look at GLP-1 Medications in Recent Research
There is growing interest in how GLP-1 medications, which were originally developed for diabetes and obesity, might relate to prostate cancer. Here's what recent research is starting to reveal.
In this post, we’ll summarize two major studies from 2025 that examined the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in men with prostate cancer.
※ This article summarizes recent research only. It is not intended to recommend any specific treatment.
What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic this hormone to support weight loss and glycemic control. Examples include:
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide, used for type 2 diabetes)
These drugs work by activating GLP-1 receptors, which are proteins found on certain cells in the body. Interestingly, researchers have found that GLP-1 receptors are also present in prostate cancer cells. In other words, prostate cancer cells may be able to respond to GLP-1 signaling.
This observation has been presented as a possible biological basis for studying how these medications could interact with prostate cancer in future research.
Study 1: Use of GLP-1 Medications Is Rising in Prostate Cancer Patients
A large retrospective study using the Epic Cosmos database found that the number of men with prostate cancer using GLP-1 medications increased from 1,200 in 2015 to more than 69,000 in 2024. Some of these patients did not have obesity or diabetes.
Researchers noted the increasing presence of GLP-1 receptor expression in prostate cancer tissues, including metastatic cases.
This has led to growing curiosity about whether GLP-1 receptor agonists could play a future role in influencing cancer biology, though this remains speculative at this stage.
Metabolic Drugs and Prostate Cancer: Analyzing GLP-1 Agonist Use in Patients - Amy Shaver
Study 2: Lower Risk of Metastasis and Mortality
A second large-scale analysis used TriNetX data to evaluate men with both type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer.
Key findings:
Men who used GLP-1 medications had a significantly lower 10-year risk of metastasis and all-cause mortality compared to those using insulin or metformin.
Compared to insulin users:
10-year metastasis risk was 73% lower
Overall mortality risk was 88% lower
Compared to metformin users:
10-year metastasis risk was 51% lower
Mortality risk was 38% lower
GLP-1 RA only-A | GLP-1 RA only-B | Insulin only | Metformin only | |
Metastasis Risk | 2.283 | 1.667 | 8.489 | 3.397 |
Mortality Risk | 2.459 | 9.748 | 21.136 | 15.746 |
These results are encouraging, but it’s important to remember:
This was an observational study, meaning researchers observed correlations—not cause and effect. No conclusions can be made about cancer treatment efficacy based on this data alone.
The authors themselves emphasized the need for randomized clinical trials to test whether GLP-1 medications have any true impact on prostate cancer outcomes
Product photo courtesy of Novo Nordisk
** If you're living with prostate cancer or managing related symptoms, measuring your urine flow can offer valuable insights into your condition. Check your urine flow at home—privately.
What This Means for Patients
For men with prostate cancer who also have diabetes, obesity, or metabolic health concerns, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Saxenda or Wegovy may already be part of a prescribed care plan.
While emerging data points to potential additional benefits, such as reduced inflammation or improved cancer outcomes, these possibilities are still under investigation.
Final Thoughts
As science continues to evolve, medications once intended for metabolic health may show promise in broader clinical areas—including cancer. Still, we must remain cautious. Current evidence is preliminary, and we need much more research before any treatment guidance can be changed.
If you are living with prostate cancer and also managing diabetes or obesity, ask your doctor whether GLP-1 medications might be appropriate for your overall health—not as a cancer treatment, but as part of metabolic care.
Additional Consideration
Urine Flow Tests Matter for Men With Prostate Cancer
Understanding your urinary health—one stream at a time.
If you’re living with prostate cancer, you may be focused on things like PSA levels, biopsy results, or treatment side effects. But there's one more thing that deserves your attention: how you urinate.
Why should you measure urine flow?
Changes in urination are extremely common in men with prostate cancer. Whether from the cancer itself or as a side effect of treatments like surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy, many men experience:
Weak or slow urine stream
Hesitancy (trouble starting)
Frequent or urgent urination
Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully empty
These symptoms are not just uncomfortable—they can signal bladder outlet obstruction, residual prostate tissue effects, or even post-treatment complications. Urine flow testing can help catch problems before they escalate. Your first test is free.
Important Reminders
GLP-1 receptor agonists are not approved to treat prostate cancer.
This article summarizes published research and does not provide medical advice or recommendations.
Always consult your healthcare provider before considering any medication changes.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Do GLP-1 medications like Saxenda or Wegovy treat prostate cancer?
No. These medications are not approved to treat prostate cancer. They are used to manage obesity and type 2 diabetes. Some studies have explored potential connections between GLP-1 signaling and cancer biology, but these findings are early-stage and do not support using GLP-1 medications as cancer therapies.
Why are prostate cancer patients using GLP-1 medications?
Some men with prostate cancer also have obesity or type 2 diabetes. In these cases, doctors may prescribe GLP-1 receptor agonists as part of their metabolic treatment plan. In some recent studies, researchers observed potential additional benefits—like reduced risk of cancer progression—but these are not yet confirmed.
What did the studies say about risk reduction?
In one large analysis, prostate cancer patients with diabetes who used GLP-1 medications had:
About 73% lower risk of metastasis and 88% lower risk of death compared to insulin users
About 51% lower risk of metastasis and 38% lower risk of death compared to metformin users
These results are based on observational data and do not prove cause and effect.
Does this mean I should start taking Saxenda or Wegovy if I have prostate cancer?
Not necessarily. These medications are not cancer treatments. If you have metabolic conditions like diabetes or obesity, your doctor might consider GLP-1 medications—but only after careful evaluation. Always discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Are these medications safe to use with prostate cancer?
There’s no evidence suggesting they are unsafe for prostate cancer patients. However, because they may interact with other medications or cancer treatments, medical supervision is essential.
What’s the next step in research?
Researchers are calling for randomized clinical trials to test whether GLP-1 medications have any true impact on prostate cancer progression, survival, or recurrence. Until then, current findings should be viewed as promising, but preliminary.
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Appendices.
*Wegovy
Wegovy is used to help weight loss and maintain weight loss long-term in patients with obesity or who are overweight and have weight-related medical problems. Wegovy works by reducing appetite and slowing the gut down, so you eat less, which results in weight loss and helps with weight management. Wegovy is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death in adults with cardiovascular disease and who are obese or overweight.
Wegovy is a prescription medicine given as an injection once-a-week given under the skin. This medicine should be used together with a decreased-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity to help weight management.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Rybelsus, therefore these products should not be used together. Ozempic (subcutaneous weekly injection) and Rybelsus (once-a-day tablet) are used to lower blood sugar levels for type two diabetic patients. Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events for some type 2 diabetic patients.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy is a man-made version of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body that acts in several areas in the brain to regulate food intake. When Wegovy activates the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, this lowers appetite and slows how quickly the stomach empties, so you feel fuller for longer and eat less, which leads to weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) mechanism of action (MOA) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Who can use Wegovy?
Wegovy is an anti-obesity medicine that is FDA-approved to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long-term in:
adults and patients over 12 years old with obesity
adults who are overweight and have a weight-related medical problem (e.g., blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)
Wegovy is also FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke in:
adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight
This injection should be used in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy side effects
The side effects occurred in 5% or more of obese or overweight adult patients using Wegovy 2.4mg in clinical trials. Common Wegovy side effects in adults may include:
nausea (44%)
diarrhea (30%)
vomiting (24%)
constipation (24%)
stomach pain (20%)
headache (14%)
tiredness (11%)
Indigestion (9%)
bloating (7%)
burping (7%)
low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes (6%)
gas or flatulence (6%)
gastroenteritis (6%)
heartburn (5%)
*Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) is used for weight loss and to help keep weight off once weight has been lost, it is used for obese adults or overweight adults who also have weight-related medical problems. Saxenda can be used in children aged 12 to 17 years who with obesity and who have a bodyweight above 132 pounds (60 kg). Saxenda is used together with a healthy diet and exercise.
Saxenda is an injection given once a day under the skin (subcutaneous) from a multi-dose injection pen.
Saxenda contains the same active ingredient (liraglutide) as Victoza. The difference between Saxenda and Victoza is they are different strengths and they are FDA approved for different conditions.
Saxenda is not for treating type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is not known if Saxenda is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. It is not known if Saxenda is safe and effective in children aged 12 to 17 years with type 2 diabetes.
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda works to help weight loss by lowering appetite, slowing gastric emptying which makes you feel full for longer and therefore you decrease your calorie intake. Saxenda is similar to a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and helps control blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion. Saxenda belongs to a class of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.
What is Saxenda used for?
Saxenda is FDA approved for weight loss and to help keep weight off once you have lost weight. It can be used for:
Adults:
obese adults (BMI 30 kg/m2 or greater)
overweight adults (BMI 27 kg/m2 or greater) who also have weight-related medical problems e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.
Pediatric patients aged 12 years and older:
body weight above 60 kg and
their initial BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m2 or greater for adults (obese) by international cut-offs (Cole Criteria)
Warnings
The Victoza brand of liraglutide is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Do not use Saxenda and Victoza together.
You should not use Saxenda if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands), a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or are pregnant.
In animal studies, liraglutide caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using regular doses.
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.
Before using Saxenda
You should not use Saxenda if you are allergic to liraglutide, or if you have:
multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands);
a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer); or
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
You should not use Saxenda if you also use insulin or other medicines like liraglutide (albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, Byetta, Bydureon, Tanzeum, Trulicity).
