Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 08, 2025 3 hours, 6 minutes ago
Medical News: New Warning Over GLP1 Drugs and Cancer Imaging
A new study is raising concerns that popular drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used to treat diabetes and aid weight loss, may interfere with crucial cancer imaging tests. This
Medical News report reveals that these medications can produce misleading results in PET-CT scans, which are essential for detecting cancer, inflammation, and other diseases. The findings highlight an urgent need for doctors and radiologists to adjust how they interpret scans for patients on these drugs. Common examples of GLP1 drugs include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound).
GLP1 Drugs Such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro Can Mess with Cancer Scans
How GLP1 Drugs Work and Why They Matter
GLP-1 receptor agonists such as mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Their use has soared in recent years due to their effectiveness for both diabetes control and weight management. However, researchers discovered that because these drugs alter how tissues handle glucose and energy, they can significantly impact how certain body areas appear during PET-CT imaging.
The research was led by scientists from Alliance Medical Ltd. in the United Kingdom. Their study revealed that people taking GLP-1 agonists showed unusual uptake patterns in their PET-CT scans, including in muscles, the heart, and brown fat. These findings can easily be mistaken for signs of cancer or inflammation if the clinician is unaware that the patient is using these medications.
The Study Findings in Detail
The researchers reviewed numerous patient scans and discovered several abnormal patterns that had not been widely recognized before. For instance, certain patients showed unexpectedly high tracer uptake in muscles or heart tissue, while others displayed bright signals in brown fat — areas that can mimic disease activity. Such misleading signals could lead to unnecessary follow-up tests, false cancer diagnoses, or even delays in proper treatment.
The study emphasized that radiologists must always check whether patients are on GLP-1 drugs before interpreting scan results. The team stopped short of recommending that patients discontinue these drugs before imaging but stressed that awareness among medical professionals is key to avoiding errors.
Need for Clear Guidelines
Currently, there are no standardized global recommendations for managing PET-CT scans in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. Some local practices suggest continuing the drug, fasting overnight, and scheduling scans in the morning to minimize confusing signals. However, more data are needed to confirm the safest and most reliable approach.
The team plans to expand their research by gathering more scan data from hospitals and imaging centers. Their goal is to create a robust framework that guides how clinicians should interpret PET-CT images for patients using GLP-1 therapies.
Why This
Matters to the Public
Millions of people around the world are now prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes or weight management. If such individuals undergo PET-CT scans, their medication could cause false “hot spots” that appear similar to cancerous growths. Without proper knowledge of this side effect, patients may face unnecessary stress, costly additional tests, and even the risk of misdiagnosis.
Conclusion
In summary, the findings reveal that GLP-1 receptor agonists can unintentionally distort PET-CT imaging results, posing new challenges for accurate cancer detection. As these drugs become increasingly common, their effects on diagnostic imaging must not be ignored. The researchers urge healthcare providers to document medication history carefully and interpret scan data with extra caution. This awareness can help prevent false alarms, reduce unnecessary medical procedures, and ensure patients receive the most accurate and timely care possible.
The study findings were presented under the title: A Weighty Problem: GLP-1 Agonists and the Altered Images of FDG PET-CT at the recent medical congress: EANM25
https://eanm25.eanm.org/
https://eanm25.eanm.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/EANM25_Final_Programme.pdf
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/scientists-from-washington-university-warns-of-new-risks-discovered-with-usage-ozempic-and-wegovy
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/overpriced-designer-semaglutide-weight-loss-drugs-like-ozempic-and-wegovy-can-cause-permanent-blindless
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