Source: DGNews  |  Posted 2 years ago

CHEVY CHASE, Md -- July 2, 2009 -- Five articles recently posted online in the medical journal Diabetologia studied the possible connection between the use of insulin glargine (Lantus) and the development of cancer. While 1 of these studies suggested an increased risk of cancer, the other 4 did not come to the same conclusion.

Taken together, the results of all these studies do not conclusively show that insulin glargine causes cancer or is otherwise harmful to a patient's overall health.

In terms of clinical practice, there does not appear to be sufficient evidence to recommend against the use of insulin glargine.

The Society anticipates that as medical experts perform new studies, the potential risks and benefits of insulin glargine will become more clearly defined.

To address concerns about the potential relationship between insulin glargine and cancer, the Society has issued 2 statements: one for patients and the other for physicians. In the statements, the Society provides a summary of the studies published in Diabetologia and offers recommendations regarding treatment of patients with diabetes.

The Society recommends that physicians continue to individualise their therapy based on a patient's situation and encourage their patients to follow current recommendations for screening tests for cancer and avoid dangerous habits, such as smoking.

Taken together, the studies do not clearly indicate that inclusion of insulin glargine in a treatment regimen for diabetes leads to worse overall health or, for that matter, better overall health.

Nevertheless, the possibility of increased cancer occurrence with insulin glargine use under some circumstances does raise concern. In evaluating all nformation, the Society concluded: "The evidence presented in this set of papers is sufficient to establish that there is a case to answer, but is entirely insufficient to bring in a verdict. Certain reassurances do, however, seem justified."

"There is no evidence that insulin, however formulated, causes cancer. There is no evidence of an overall increase in the rate of cancer development in patients on insulin glargine, and some suggestion that the risk may actually be reduced. There is no evidence of harm in diabetes or in premenopausal breast cancer."

The full statement is available here:
http://www.endo-society.org/advocacy/policy/index.cfm

SOURCE: The Endocrine Society