GLP-1\/GIP drugs like Zepbound have transformed weight-loss treatment. They may also be able to help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence for some people. <\/p>\n
Dallas breast cancer specialist Dr. Joyce O\u2019Shaughnessy, a nationally recognized oncologist and researcher with Baylor University Medical Center and Texas Oncology, is leading the research involving women with higher-risk, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.<\/p>\n
The Baylor TRIM trial <\/a>is following women with a BMI of 27 or higher and testing their blood every three months for circulating tumor DNA, a potential sign that microscopic cancer remains in the body. If it is detected, participants receive tirzepatide, the GLP-1\/GIP medication sold as Zepbound, with the goal of significant weight loss. Researchers then monitor whether the tumor DNA declines or disappears and whether the cancer returns.<\/p>\n Why weight matters<\/p>\n O\u2019Shaughnessy said obesity and significant weight gain after a breast cancer diagnosis can increase the risk of recurrence. Excess weight can contribute to hormones and inflammation that may \u201cwake up dormant cancer cells.\u201d<\/p>\n The connection is particularly important after menopause. Postmenopausal weight gain, she said, is a risk factor both for developing breast cancer and for recurrence among women who have already had it.<\/p>\n What the GLP-1 study has found so far<\/p>\n It is still too early to know whether tirzepatide can actually prevent cancer from returning.<\/p>\n What researchers do know is that it is successfully helping women in the trial lose weight. The next question is whether that weight loss is accompanied by a reduction or disappearance of circulating tumor DNA and, ultimately, fewer recurrences.<\/p>\n What women can do now<\/p>\n While the GLP-1 research continues, O\u2019Shaughnessy pointed to several steps women can take now to reduce risk.<\/p>\n Annual mammograms beginning at age 40 and knowing the cancer history on both sides of the family, with genetic testing when appropriate.Maintaining a healthy weight after menopause and getting regular exercise can also reduce risk. O\u2019Shaughnessy said even two to three hours of moderate-paced walking can make a difference.Avoid alcohol. \u201cEven one drink a day increases risk modestly,\u201d Dr. O\u2019Shaughnessy said, while two drinks a day increases it moderately.<\/p>\n For O\u2019Shaughnessy, the emerging GLP-1 research adds a potentially important new question to breast cancer prevention: Can weight control after treatment do more than improve overall health and actually help keep cancer from coming back?<\/p>\n \u201cI’m even more excited about the prospects now than we were when we first launched the trial,\u201d O\u2019Shaughnessy said.<\/p>\n To listen to this interview in its entirety, click the ‘listen’ button above.<\/p>\n Miranda Suarez and Ron Corning are the hosts of KERA’s NTX Now. Got a tip? Email Miranda at\u00a0msuarez@kera.org<\/a>\u00a0or Ron at\u00a0rcorning@kera.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n