Effects of glucagon-like PEPTIDE-1 receptor agonists on incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver decompensation in patients with diabetes: A systematic review and META-analysis

Eur J Clin Invest. 2025 Jun;55(6):e70000. doi: 10.1111/eci.70000. Epub 2025 Feb 12.

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver decompensation in patients with type 2 diabetes. Analysing over 641,377 patients, GLP-1RA use was associated with a significant 58% reduction in HCC risk, particularly in patients with cirrhotis. While a trend towards reduced liver decompensation risk was observed, it was not statistically significant. These findings suggest a potential role for GLP-1RAs in HCC risk stratification and prevention strategies.

Keywords: diabetes; hepatocellular carcinoma; liver decompensation; metabolic‐associated steatotic liver disease; treatment.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Incidence
  • Liver Cirrhosis* / epidemiology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
  • Hypoglycemic Agents