NMA of 91 RCTs evaluating GLP-1RAs and SGLT2i found no overall increased risk of gynecologic malignancies, with regimen-specific analyses providing the first comprehensive safety assessment for female reproductive cancers.
No gynecologic cancer riskFirst comprehensive NMA of 91 RCTs finds no increased uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer risk with GLP-1 or SGLT2 drugs—reassuring as prescribing surges in women
What the researchers found
No overall increased gynecologic cancer risk with GLP-1RAs or SGLT2i. 91 RCTs included. NMA: regimen-specific comparisons. First comprehensive gynecologic cancer safety analysis for these drug classes. Addresses growing concern as prescribing increases in women.
Why it matters
With GLP-1 drugs increasingly prescribed to reproductive-age women (90% of new prescriptions non-diabetic in some countries), gynecologic cancer safety data is essential for informed prescribing.
How the study worked
Network meta-analysis of 91 RCTs comparing GLP-1RAs and SGLT2i. Gynecologic malignancy incidence as outcome.
What this study cannot tell us
RCTs not designed for cancer endpoints. Cancer is rare—short trial durations may miss long-term risk. NMA indirect comparisons. Gynecologic cancer subtypes may have different risk profiles.
How to read the evidence
NMA of 91 RCTs. High-quality synthesis but cancer events are rare in trial populations.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
As GLP-1 drugs are prescribed to millions of women—many of reproductive age—confirming no gynecologic cancer risk is critically important for continued safe adoption.
Questions still open
- Are there any specific regimens with concerning gynecologic signals?
- Does the earlier finding of reduced uterine cancer in obesity apply here?
- Should gynecologic cancer screening be adjusted for GLP-1 drug users?
Common questions
Do GLP-1 drugs increase cancer risk in women?
Should women get extra cancer screening on GLP-1 drugs?
Read the original research
The gynecologic tumor risk related to GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors use: a network meta-analysis of 91 randomized controlled trials.
Journal of hematology & oncology, 18(1), 109
Citation
Tseng, Ping-Tao; Zeng, Bing-Yan; Hsu, Chih-Wei; Sun, Cheuk-Kwan; Suen, Mein-Woei; Carvalho, Andre F; Stubbs, Brendon; Chen, Yen-Wen; Chen, Tien-Yu; Lei, Wei-Te; Chen, Po-Huang; Chen, Jiann-Jy; Shiue, Yow-Ling; Zeng, Bing-Syuan; Su, Kuan-Pin; Liang, Chih-Sung. (2025). The gynecologic tumor risk related to GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors use: a network meta-analysis of 91 randomized controlled trials.. Journal of hematology & oncology, 18(1), 109. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-025-01750-x