From the Research
DPP-4 inhibitors should not be used as a treatment for lung cancer, as the current evidence is insufficient to support their use in this context, and standard lung cancer therapies remain the established approaches. The use of DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin, is primarily for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and their role in lung cancer treatment is still investigational 1. While some preclinical research suggests potential anti-cancer properties of DPP-4 inhibition in lung cancer models, the clinical evidence supporting their use in lung cancer treatment is limited 2.
The research indicates that DPP-4 may play a role in tumor cell migration and immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment, but this remains an area of ongoing investigation 3. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, published in 2023, highlights the potential risk of lung cancer associated with the use of DPP-4 inhibitors, particularly when used in combination with ACE inhibitors 1.
Key points to consider:
- DPP-4 inhibitors are not currently approved or widely used for lung cancer treatment
- The use of DPP-4 inhibitors in lung cancer treatment is still investigational
- Standard lung cancer therapies, such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies based on molecular testing, remain the established approaches
- Patients with both diabetes and lung cancer may receive DPP-4 inhibitors for glucose management, but these medications are not prescribed specifically to treat the cancer itself
- The potential risk of lung cancer associated with the use of DPP-4 inhibitors, particularly when used in combination with ACE inhibitors, should be considered when prescribing these medications 1.