Recent studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between pancreatic inflammation and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. While acute pancreatitis that appears suddenly and may last for only a few days may not put an individual at a higher risk for cancer, chronic pancreatitis may last for several years and is associated with an elevated risk for pancreatic cancer.
David C. Whitcomb, from the American Journal of Physiology – Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, wrote a report titled “Inflammation and Cancer V. Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer”, where he states “the mutations associated with hereditary pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis are not found in sporadic pancreatic adenocarcinomas, suggesting that the effects are indirect by causing recurrent pancreatitis and chronic inflammation. The process of mutation accumulation and clonal expansion that is required for development of invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma must therefore be accelerated in chronic pancreatitis to account for the high incidence of pancreatic cancer in these patients.”
Recently, several drugs used in GLP-1 therapy to treat type-two diabetes (Byetta, Victoza, Januvia, and others) have been linked to increased risk for pancreatitis. Since studies such as the one described above document the connection between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, one can conclude that the use of Byetta, Victoza, Januvia and similar medications places one at an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.
Due to the fact that the warning labels for these drugs have failed to reflect the risk for pancreatic cancer associated with Byetta, Victoza, and Januvia, a number of Byetta lawsuits, Victoza lawsuits, and Januvia lawsuits are currently being filed. If you or a loved one used a GLP-1 therapy drug and suffered pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, contact our team of GLP-1 therapy lawyers at the information provided below for a free, no-obligation case consultation.
At your convenience, you may reach our offices by phone at (855) 452 – 5529 or by e-mail at justinian@dangerousdrugs.us. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve.
Our Byetta Lawsuit / Victoza Lawsuits / Januvia Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about GLP-1 therapy drugs and diabetes drug lawsuits.