ACCP

CHEST 2025: Use of SGLT2i linked to slower lung cancer growth, fewer surgeries

October 23, 2025

At CHEST 2025, researchers presented a retrospective analysis suggesting that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), widely used for diabetes management, may confer oncologic benefits in early-stage lung cancer. The study evaluated 218 adult diabetic patients with pulmonary nodules monitored on serial CT scans between 2014 and 2024. Patients prescribed SGLT2i were compared with those on alternative antidiabetic medications.

Key findings:

• Nodule growth occurred in 13.8% of SGLT2i users vs. 25.7% of controls (p=0.04).
• Surgical interventions were markedly lower in the SGLT2i group (5.5% vs. 11.9%; hazard ratio, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.77; p=0.048).
• Number needed to treat to prevent one surgery over 10 years: 15.6.

Mean HbA1c was slightly higher in the SGLT2i group (7.7 vs. 7.1, p<0.01), and surveillance duration was similar across cohorts.

These findings suggest a potential protective effect of SGLT2i against progression of in situ pulmonary adenocarcinoma, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures. Further prospective trials are warranted to confirm efficacy and safety.

Source:

Welch, K. et al. “Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors attenuate growth and decrease surgical interventions on in-situ pulmonary adenocarcinoma.” Presented at CHEST Annual Meeting, Chicago, 2025. Available at: https://journal.chestnet.org/pb-assets/Health%20Advance/journals/CHEST/CHEST_168_4_S-1760125267743.pdf#page=4755