Diabetes, particularly Type 2 Diabetes, has been associated with a higher risk of developing cancers such as liver, colorectal, and breast cancer. While controlling blood sugar levels and managing weight are important in diabetes care, recent research indicates that these measures alone do not fully account for the increased cancer risk observed in diabetic patients. This has led scientists to investigate how medications used to treat diabetes may also play a role in influencing cancer risk and progression.
A review article published on December 10, 2025, in Precision Clinical Medicine (DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbaf028) addresses this issue by examining the potential impact of anti-diabetic drugs on cancer development. The study was conducted by researchers at Peking University People's Hospital and explores how drugs such as metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists may affect cancer through biological pathways beyond their primary purpose of regulating blood sugar.
The review compiles both preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the relationship between these medications and cancer outcomes. Metformin is highlighted for its ability to enhance immune responses against tumors and inhibit tumor growth by modifying the tumor microenvironment. It can also influence key cellular pathways involved in cell growth, programmed cell death, and blood vessel formation within tumors. Other classes of diabetes medications have shown effects on reducing inflammation, altering cell proliferation, and promoting apoptosis—the process of eliminating damaged or abnormal cells—but their effectiveness appears to depend on both the type of drug and the specific cancer involved.
For example, while metformin has demonstrated some protective effects against colorectal and liver cancers, its impact on breast cancer remains unclear. The review emphasizes that each medication’s unique mechanism should be considered individually rather than assuming uniform effects across all types.
Dr. Linong Ji commented on the findings: "While anti-diabetic medications are crucial in managing diabetes, their broader effects on cancer are still not fully understood. This review sheds light on the intricate mechanisms through which these drugs may influence cancer progression. However, the evidence is mixed, and we must continue to investigate the long-term impacts of these medications in cancer patients, as well as the potential for developing targeted therapies based on these findings."
The authors conclude that understanding how anti-diabetic drugs interact with various biological processes linked to cancer could improve personalized treatment approaches for diabetic patients who are also at risk for or living with cancer. Further research will help determine whether existing diabetes treatments might be adapted or combined with standard therapies to benefit individuals facing both conditions.
