From drooping jaws and sulfur trims to contracted chests and sudden pregnancy, the side effects of GLP-1 weight loss drugs vary from subtle to strange.
now, New study This suggests that these very popular drugs may interfere with important medical image scans, which may interfere with a doctor’s ability to detect serious (even deadly) diseases.
Experts say that this can delay some patients’ diagnosis and treatment, and other patients may have tests and procedures that were not needed in the first place.
Originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the GLP-1 drugs were sensational due to strong weight loss effects. The usage has soared only in the United States. 700% Between 2019 and 2023.
The drug imitates a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps to control blood sugar and appetite. It also promotes insulin production, slows digestion, and makes you feel full for a long time, helping you lose weight within a record time.
Such biological changes can improve health, but it can interfere with PET-CT scan, a tool used to detect cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Hidden science behind fear
The PET-CT scan combines two powerful video tools to provide a doctor with a detailed picture of what happens in the body.
The PET scan uses a radioactive substance called FDG, which is moved through blood flow and absorbed by tissue. Cancer cells and other abnormal cells, such as cells associated with inflammation, absorb more FDGs because they have a high metabolic rate. Yukon Health.
The PET scanner detects the radiation released from the FDG to create an image that emphasizes the location where the material is collected.
CT scan, meanwhile, provides detailed photos of organ, bones and tissues.
Combining the PET-CT scan reveals the body’s metabolic activity and physical anatomical structure, which helps the doctor diagnoses and tracks how the patient reacts to treatment.
But in patients taking GLP-1, doctors observed the unusual patterns of the FDG, that is, the hot spots of the body that can cover the signs of cancer or make healthy tissue look sick.
“We found abnormal intake of GLP-1 agents from one of the patients, which triggered a wide range of reviews throughout our network.” Dr. Peter StrawhalThe medical director of the Alliance Medical LTD, UK, and the main author of new research, Said in the statement.
“We found that these changed patterns are becoming more and more common, but in the UK, there are no domestic or international guidelines that deal with this new problem,” he said.
Confused scan, costly result
In the United States, about one out of eight adults reported that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro have been used. 2024 Survey Kaiser Family Foundation.
More patients are likely to show this unusual pattern on the PET-CT scan without showing signs of slowing demand.
This is especially concerned that the incidence of cancer in the United States is increasing, especially among young adults, and early detection is important for successful treatment.
Doctors warn that misreading these FDG absorption patterns may cause unnecessary tests, inaccurate cancer determination and dangerous treatment delays.
“Recognizing the characteristic absorption associated with GLP-1 agent, it helps to avoid unnecessary anxiety and intervention and ensure that the patient can get the right treatment in a timely manner without a detour or doubt,” Strouhal said.
At this time, Strouhal and his colleagues are not recommended to stop taking GLP-1 drugs before the PET-CT scan.
Instead, they suggested that the video team carefully documented the patient’s drug therapy records so that the doctor helped to interpret the scan while the official guidelines were developed.
Their research was presented at the 38th annual meeting of the European Nuclear Medicine Association on Tuesday.
In the future, the team plans to expand data collection in more imaging centers to build more powerful evidence for future national guidelines.
They also aim to cooperate internationally to help patients around the world enjoy consistent and reliable PET-CT interpretation.
