The potential link between a specific form of long-acting insulin, known as insulin glargine and branded as Lantus, and cancer, could be gaining momentum.
First off, let me say that both human and porcine insulin are safe, and have no association with cancer. The report specifically relates only to a synthetic, long acting form of insulin.
According to a series of retrospective studies from Europe, “301,136 insulin-treated patients in Germany, Sweden and Britain suggest Lantus may increase the risk of cancer . . . particularly breast cancer.” It should be noted that the data from these type of studies is not strong, and nowhere near the standard of a randomized, controlled trial, where the effects of one drug is compared to a placebo.
Also, the apparent absolute risk is small, with the largest study finding, “a difference of roughly one extra cancer diagnosed for every 100 people taking Lantus compared with those on human insulin.”
Right now, it’s really too early to make any recommendations, and the American Diabetes Association warns against modifying treatment regiments based on data that were “conflicting and inconclusive.” More research, specifically a prospective randomized trial, needs to be done.
Leading diabetes patient blogger Amy Tenerich predicts the news “kicks off just the kind of anti-Avandia media frenzy that frightens patients off their medications, without real substantiation of the potential danger.”
Matthew Mintz, an internist who frequently writes about diabetes medications, also calls for patients not to immediately stop their Lantus, and instead, consider other injection options, such as Byetta.
Time will tell whether a potential uproar is brewing. Sanofi-Aventis, the makers of Lantus, has a lot riding on the drug, which is projected to contribute 4 to 5 billion dollars in revenue. I’m sure they’re nervously watching the impact of these studies very closely.
