American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Consensus Statement On Diabetes and Cancer

Association Advocates for Continued Use of Anti-hyperglycemic Medications Within FDA Guidelines

Tuesday, August 20, 2013 1:56 pm EDT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) today released its diabetes and cancer consensus statement paper, which concludes that insufficient evidence currently exists to support a definitive link between anti-hyperglycemic medications and cancer development.

Further, while acknowledging the importance of clinicians’ consideration of risk factors when making medication choices in individuals identified at risk for cancer, the paper also recommends physicians should continue to confidently prescribe FDA-approved anti-hyperglycemics for the treatment of high blood sugar.

The consensus statement was developed by AACE in response to growing concerns in recent years about the possible link between diabetes, obesity, anti-diabetes agents and an increased prevalence of various cancers.

A task force commissioned by AACE and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) convened a conclave of international experts who presented the available science, followed by an exhaustive analysis of the evidence, evaluating the possible roles of obesity, hyperinsulinemia (above normal insulin level), glucose (blood sugar) and diabetes and its therapies in the origin and development of cancer in order to provide practical recommendations to physicians, clinicians and investigators.

AACE’s consensus is in line with the recent European Medicines Agency (EMA, 7-26-13) and the FDA (7-31-13) that the data on medications to manage hyperglycemia is not substantial enough to make the connection and there is no need to change the official labeling about potential safety risks.

Other key conclusions highlighted in the AACE consensus statement include:

• While there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest glucose-lowering drugs impact cancer development, physicians should exercise caution when prescribing anti-hyperglycemic medications implicated in the promotion of specific cancers to those with elevated cancer risks.

• Obesity and diabetes are associated with statistically significant and clinically important increased risks of multiple malignancies. This suggests that cancer screening and counseling on lifestyle changes should be a part of regular preventive care in people with obesity and/or diabetes.
• Conversely, individuals who develop “typical” obesity-related cancers, especially at a younger age, should be screened for metabolic abnormalities like insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Due to the proposed mechanistic association of endogenous hyperinsulinemia with cancer growth, there is a concern that exogenously administered insulin may amplify the cancer development process Although some earlier studies suggested that insulin therapy was associated with a slightly increased risk of cancer incidence, more recent prospective studies- e.g. ORIGIN- do not confirm that observation and in fact demonstrate the safety of insulin .
• Citing the complex and inconclusive findings addressing the correlation between diabetes, pharmacological therapies, and cancer, larger-scale randomized studies are necessary to advance any plausible evidence linking cancer risks to diabetes, obesity and anti-hyperglycemic medications.

“The implication of various medications’ role in the development of cancer has concerned physicians and patients alike, but the sum of evidence presents a very compelling case and suggests the risk of cancer is unproven,” said Yehuda Handelsman, MD, FACP, FACE, FNLA and co-chair of the consensus statement task force. “Thus, healthcare professionals can have greater confidence in prescribing medications for those who have diabetes or are obese.”

“The research conducted to date is incomplete and, thus, insufficient to warrant withholding treatment that will result in adverse outcomes for those who have diabetes or are obese,” Dr. Handelsman added. “Until more definitive evidence becomes available, the benefits of treatment should take precedence over any concerns for potential low-grade cancer risk.”

The complete AACE consensus statement and resulting conclusions are published online at: https://www.aace.com/files/position-statements/diabetes-and-cancer-consensus-statement.pdf and in the print and online issue of Endocrine Practice, Volume 19, Issue 5, September/October 2013.

About the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) represents more than 6,500 endocrinologists in the United States and abroad. AACE is the largest association of clinical endocrinologists in the world. The majority of AACE members are certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and concentrate on the treatment of patients with endocrine and metabolic disorders including diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity. Visit our site at www.aace.com.

About the American College of Endocrinology (ACE)

The American College of Endocrinology (ACE) is the educational and scientific arm of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). ACE is the leader in advancing the care and prevention of endocrine and metabolic disorders by: providing professional education and reliable public health information; recognizing excellence in education, research and service; promoting clinical research and defining the future of Clinical Endocrinology. For more information, please visit www.aace.com/college.