The Potential Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists as a Type of Conservative Treatment of Endometrial Cancer in Women of Reproductive Age: A Review of the Literature and a Call for Study.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is among the most common gynecological malignancies in developed countries and its occurrence has been increasing dramatically in the past few years. An in-depth knowledge of the causes of endometrial cancer, such as unopposed estrogen, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, has resulted in the suggestion of numerous interventions to decrease the occurrence of this cancer. Recent research has established a connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a higher chance of developing endometrial cancer, suggesting that insulin resistance is a key factor in its onset. Moreover, evidence from both epidemiological and clinical studies indicates that metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, could possibly help in the prevention of specific types of cancer such as endometrial cancer. The aim of this study is to explore the possible impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) in the non-surgical management of endometrial cancer. GLP-1 has various functions and is produced when nutrients are consumed. Besides promoting the release of insulin, GLP-1 also suppresses the secretion of glucagon and reduces appetite. Moreover, the fact that GLP-1 receptors are found in different organs and tissues such as the brain, lung, pancreas, stomach, heart, and endometrium indicates that GLP-1RAs have multiple functions. Prior research has shown that it triggers apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells. Nevertheless, the precise physiological function of GLP-1 receptors in endometrial cancer still needs to be fully understood.