Chevy Chase, MD—Five articles recently posted online in the medical journal Diabetologia studied the possible connection between the use of insulin glargine (Lantus®) and the development of cancer. While one of these studies suggested an increased risk of cancer, the other four did not come to the same conclusion.

Taken together, the results of all these studies do not conclusively show that insulin glargine causes cancer or is otherwise harmful to a patient’s overall health. In terms of clinical practice, there does not appear to be sufficient evidence to recommend against the use of insulin glargine. The Society anticipates that as medical experts perform new studies, the potential risks and benefits of insulin glargine will become more clearly defined.

To address concerns about the potential relationship between insulin glargine and cancer, the Society has issued two statements: one for patients and the other for physicians. In the statements, available online at http://www.endo-society.org/advocacy/policy/index.cfm, the Society provides a summary of the studies published in Diabetologia and offers recommendations regarding treatment of diabetic patients.

The Society recommends that patients continue with their insulin regimen and discuss with their physicians the reasons why a particular insulin treatment was prescribed. In addition, patients with diabetes, like all other individuals, should make sure that they follow recommended procedures for screening and early detection of cancer, such as periodic mammography and colonoscopy.

The Society recommends that physicians continue to individualize their therapy based on a patient’s situation and encourage their patients to follow current recommendations for screening tests for cancer and avoid dangerous habits, such as smoking.
 

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.