GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer.

Preclinical studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists have specific effects on the thyroid gland, potentially involving the development of thyroid cancer. Studies on this subject produced conflicting results, potentially due to a lack of statistical power. The results of this nationwide population-based study suggest that use of GLP-1 receptor agonists is associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer. The increased risk was higher in the case of 1-3 years of GLP-1 receptor agonist use. Clinicians should be aware of this potential risk in initiating a GLP-1 receptor agonist and carefully monitor exposed patients.