Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Patients with a Family History of Thyroid or Uterine Cancer: A Systemic Review
Authors: Munshi Mohammed , Jahangir Sabrina 
Published: February 2025

Background: The weight loss medication semaglutide has recently become widely recognized for its effectiveness. Medical professionals have expressed safety concerns about semaglutide for patients who have a family background of thyroid or uterine cancers. The FDA has communicated about potential dangers requiring careful selection of patients before treatment. This study reviews existing research about semaglutide as a weight management treatment for patients with familial cancer histories while analyzing its potential advantages and dangers. Objective: To examine recent studies on the use of semaglutide for weight loss in individuals with family histories of thyroid or uterine cancers, while also considering both potential risks and benefits. Primary & Secondary Outcome Measures: Semalutide's safety concerns are a concern for patients with family history of thyroid or uterine cancer. Semaglutide has potential medical advantages such as promoting weight loss and decreasing cancer risk, which is its secondary effect. Intervention: Semaglutide is now a widely used treatment for weight loss, acting as an antagonist for the GLP-1 receptor. Primary & Secondary Outcome Measures: Semalutide's safety concerns are a concern for patients with family history of thyroid or uterine cancer. Semaglutide has potential medical advantages such as promoting weight loss and decreasing cancer risk, which is its secondary effect. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies investigating the use of semaglutide in patients with a family history of thyroid or uterine cancer. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Search terms included "semaglutide," "thyroid cancer," "endometrial cancer," "GLP-1 receptor agonists," and "weight loss." Studies published between 2010 and 2024 were included. The search strategy was designed to capture both preclinical and clinical studies. Studies were included if they investigated the safety or efficacy of semaglutide in patients with a family history of thyroid or uterine cancer and provided clear data on cancer risk or weight loss outcomes. Studies lacking methodological rigor or not addressing the research question were excluded. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, results were synthesized narratively, and a meta-analysis was not performed. Word count: The main body of this review, excluding the title page, abstract, references, figures, tables, and acknowledgements, is approximately 2,500 words. Results: A total of 4 studies involving 1,699,198 participants were included. Results showed no significant link between semaglutide use and thyroid cancer risk in human studies, although rodent studies indicated a higher risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Preclinical data suggested potential benefits of semaglutide in reducing endometrial cancer risk, but definitive human research is needed. Article Summary: Strengths and limitations of this study: This review utilizes a systematic and comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases, focusing on high-risk populations and applying clear inclusion criteria for both preclinical and clinical data. However, the studies included are heterogeneous, human data on cancer risk is limited, long-term safety information is lacking, potential publication bias may be present, and the findings cannot be generalized. Conclusion: It is recommended that healthcare providers carefully review patient records and exercise caution when prescribing semaglutide to those with a history of thyroid or uterine cancers in their family.