Unexpected Uses of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Cancer and Human Reproduction

Emerging evidence suggests that semaglutide and tirzepatide may have effects beyond glycemic control and weight reduction.

• In oncology, semaglutide and tirzepatide show antitumor activity primarily through immune and metabolic reprogramming, with potential benefits in pancreatic, thyroid, breast, and colorectal cancers.
• In psychiatry, these therapies may reduce alcohol use disorder, substance use, and binge-eating behaviors by modulating dopamine reward pathways and GABAergic neurotransmission.
• Clinically meaningful improvements in knee osteoarthritis pain and function have been observed, although the impact on bone health remains unclear.
• In aesthetic medicine, there is a challenge in managing facial volume loss associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists while investigating their potential for treating inflammatory skin conditions.
• In reproductive medicine, metabolic improvements may benefit conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and male fertility, yet safety concerns during conception remain.
• Most evidence across these applications comes from preclinical models, observational cohorts, and pharmacoepidemiologic studies, with a lack of randomized controlled trials.

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