Key Findings: Large human studies across multiple countries have not found increased thyroid cancer rates in GLP-1 users The FDA warning applies to medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)only 3-4% of all thyroid cancers The warning exists because rodents developed C-cell tumors, but humans and rodents differ biologically Some studies show associations, but these are explained by detection bias (more monitoring = finding pre-existing nodules) The Clayman Thyroid Center (2,000+ thyroid cancer patients/year) has not seen an MTC pattern linked to GLP-1 use (or for that matter any other thyroid malignancy) Clinical Recommendations: Patients with MTC history or MEN2 should not take GLP-1 receptor agonists Patients with common thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, Hrthle cell) should not assume GLP-1 caused them or will have an effect upon them Decisions should be individualized, weighing metabolic benefits against theoretical concerns GLP-1 therapy does not require additional thyroid monitoring Quick Reference for Clinicians Understanding the Question What Medications Are We Discussing
It lowers markers of inflammation throughout the body, even beyond what would be explained by weight loss alone
No indefinite medication dependence With GLP-1 drugs, continued success often depends on continued treatment
injection of liraglutide dramatically suppressed the upregulation of CGRP and c-fos in the superficial lamina of the TNC induced by NTG
PDK1 expression is highest in the heart and skeletal muscle
Those with conditions like eczema or rosacea should consult a dermatologist before use
