Evolving Research Puts a Focus on GLP-1 Agonist Use in Breast Cancer: With Sara Nunnery, MD, MSCI; and Neil M. Iyengar, MD

Breast Cancer Briefing, hosted by Sara Nunnery, MD, MSCI, a breast medical oncologist and the director of Breast Cancer Research at Tennessee Oncology in Nashville, is a podcast series that breaks down the latest news in breast cancer research, one conversation at a time.

In part 2 of this conversation, filmed live onsite at the 43rd Annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference, Dr Nunnery sat down with Neil M. Iyengar, MD, an associate professor and co-director of Breast Medical Oncology in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine, as well as the director of Survivorship Services at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Their conversation highlighted the evolving integration of GLP-1 agonists into the breast cancer treatment armamentarium. They noted that current retrospective research indicates that patients with breast cancer, particularly those receiving hormone therapy, may experience more modest weight loss compared with non-oncology populations. Despite this, observational data suggest that GLP-1 agonists may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and help manage symptoms like arthralgia and vasomotor symptoms by reducing inflammation and adipose tissue.

Safety is also a primary concern associated with GLP-1 agonist use, according to Iyengar. Experts generally consider GLP-1 agonists safe for cancer survivors or those receiving stable hormone therapy. However, these agents are currently not recommended during chemotherapy or immunotherapy due to the potential for gastrointestinal toxicities and emerging data suggesting these agents might decrease pathologic complete response rates. Finally, the experts emphasized that GLP-1 agonist use must be paired with lifestyle interventions to prevent muscle loss, and that to avoid inflammatory rebound weight gain, any discontinuation of these medications should involve a slow taper.

Want more insights from Drs Nunnery and Iyengar? Catch up on part 1 of the discussion here.

Prefer to listen on the go? Check out this episode wherever you listen to podcasts!