The potential impact of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists for the treatment of endometrial carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial cancer is the most frequently diagnosed gynecologic malignancy and predominantly associated with favorable clinical outcomes. However, advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer is significantly more aggressive and coincides with inauspicious survival rates. AREAS COVERED: Since endometrial cancer often develops in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes, studies have evaluated metformin as a treatment for this neoplasm. Alternatively, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which mimic the GLP-1 peptide, may confer a decreased risk for endometrial cancer and represent a novel and promising anti-neoplastic therapy. In the current mini-review, we recount the preclinical results abstracted from studies identified via the PUBMED database from 2016-2026, with an emphasis on GLP-1 RAs in the treatment of endometrial cancer. EXPERT OPINION: Preclinical data suggest that GLP-1 RAs avert progesterone resistance, augment the effects of hormone therapy, and prevent chemoresistance, not to mention bestows a substantive benefit in the treatment of endometrial cancer, especially as an adjunct therapy. Currently, however, the results associated with GLP-1 RAs in treating malignancies are preliminary and warrant further investigation with randomized clinical trials.