Real world outcomes comparing the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with CML and comorbid obesity: A propensity score matched analysis from global federated health research network

Abstract Introduction Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Emerging evidence suggesting their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects as well as cardiovascular benefits. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a myeloproliferative neoplasm, has seen major therapeutic advances with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, metabolic comorbidities remain widely prevalent in these patients due to both cancer-associated risk factors and the effects of therapy. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on outcomes among patients with CML, exploring potential interactions between metabolic modulation and disease behaviour. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the US Collaborative Network TriNetX, covering January 2000 to December 2023, encompassing data from 105 global healthcare organizations. Adult patients aged 18 and above with CML and comorbid obesity were identified and then stratified into two groups based on treatment with GLP-1 agonists or not. The two groups were then propensity-matched based on age, sex, race, and comorbidities. We followed these patients for 5 years to assess outcomes, including overall mortality, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, sepsis, and need for mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis. Results We identified 701,767 patients with CML and obesity who received GLP-1 receptor agonists, and 6,811,928 patients with CML and obesity who did not receive GLP-1 therapy. After propensity matching, each cohort consisted of 700,998 patients with similar baseline characteristics. Our analysis found that over 5 years, patients with CML and obesity who received GLP-1 receptor agonists had a significantly lower risk of overall mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.509, 95% CI: 0.501 to 0.518, p-value <0.001), myocardial infarction (HR: 0.785, 95% CI: 0.769 to 0.801, p-value <0.001), ischemic stroke (HR: 0.665, 95% CI: 0.632 to 0.700, p-value <0.001), hemodialysis (HR: 0.445, 95% CI: 0.430 to 0.461, p-value <0.001) and sepsis (HR: 0.726, 95% CI: 0.714 to 0.738, p-value <0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the need for mechanical ventilation between the two subgroups. Conclusion Our study revealed that patients with CML and obesity who received GLP-1 receptor agonists had a significantly lower risk of mortality, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, hemodialysis and sepsis. Further longitudinal cohort studies are warranted to better understand these associations and inform clinical practice guidelines.