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Insulin Glargine Associated with Cancer Risk; ADA Calls Findings "Conflicting and Confusing"

Patients will likely ask about a study in Diabetologia that associates use of insulin glargine (Lantus) with a higher risk for cancer. The journal's editor and the American Diabetes Association both urge caution in interpreting the results.

German researchers first identified the association and submitted their results to Diabetologia. Before agreeing to acceptance, that journal's editors commissioned three additional studies using Swedish and U.K. databases. Two of those studies confirmed an association of insulin glargine with cancer risk, but editorialists judge the evidence "entirely insufficient to bring in a verdict."

On the basis of laboratory studies, the editorial writers conclude: "There is no reason to believe that insulin therapy causes cancer, but there is, nonetheless, reason to suspect that high concentrations of insulin may promote [earlier onset of] its development."

The American Diabetes Association called the data "conflicting and confusing" and urged patients not to change their regimens until more information is available.

LINK(S):

Diabetologia articles and press release (Free)

Diabetologia editorial (Free PDF)

ADA statement (Free)

Diabetologia webcast (Free)

Wall Street Journal story (Subscription required)

Published in Physician's First Watch June 29, 2009