Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor activators as a promising treatment for bile duct cancer

GLP-1R agonists may have anti-tumor effects on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells despite concerns about their cancer risk.

• Epidemiological studies have shown conflicting results regarding the risk of cholangiocarcinoma associated with incretin-based therapies.
• The first cohort study indicated an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma with incretin-based therapy, while later studies found no effect.
• High expression of GLP-1R is linked to more aggressive phenotypes in cholangiocarcinoma cells.
• GLP-1R agonists have been shown to suppress GLP-1R expression in CCA cells, potentially inhibiting tumor growth.
• The exact mechanisms behind the anti-tumor effects of GLP-1R agonists on CCA remain unclear and warrant further investigation.

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