Journal of food and drug analysisJul 22, 2026

Can semaglutide affect tumor markers? Evidence from a patient case

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Jul 23, 2026

Abstract

A significant increase in CA 19-9 levels was observed during treatment with Semaglutide in a 61-year-old patient.

The patient had no evidence of adnexal cysts based on gynecological examination and ultrasound.
Tumor biomarker testing showed a significant rise in CA 19-9 and a mild increase in CA-125.
These elevated biomarker levels raised concerns about a possible neoplastic origin involving the pancreas or biliary tract.
Follow-up tests indicated a decrease in CA 19-9 levels from 717 to 62 kU/L one month later.
Normalization of tumor biomarkers was confirmed two months after the initial increase.
Elevated CA 19-9 during pancreatitis may be associated with Semaglutide, but not all patients may experience this effect.

Simplified

To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in literature, regarding an increase in tumoral biomarkers during a treatment with Semaglutide. A 61-year-old patient was referred to our gynecological consultation due to suspected adnexal cysts following an MRI performed for a functional defecation disorder. The patient was on Semaglutide treatment. Gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound were normal, with no evidence of adnexal cysts. Tumor biomarker testing revealed a significant increase in CA 19-9 and a mild elevation in CA-125. In an asymptomatic patient, these findings raised suspicion of a possible neoplastic origin involving the pancreas or biliary tract. However, all further investigations yielded normal results. At a follow-up laboratory check one month later, CA 19-9 levels had decreased from 717 to 62 kU/L. A subsequent evaluation two months later confirmed the normalization of tumor biomarkers. Despite the elevation of CA19-9 during pancreatitis, which could be induced by Semaglutide, it is important to recognize that not all patients will experience this side effect. Moreover, an increase in tumor biomarkers can occur even in the absence of a clinically detectable disease, such as pancreatitis or cancer. Further research is needed to explore the potential relationship between Semaglutide and elevated CA 19-9 or CA-125 levels.

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PubMed

Can semaglutide affect tumor markers? Evidence from a patient case

Abstract

Funding

Competing interests

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