European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF DIPEPTIDYL PEPTIDASE-4 (DPP-4) INHIBITORS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES A CRITICAL REVIEW OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND ONCOLOGICAL OUTCOMES

S. Md. Zubair* and N. Likhitha

ABSTRACT

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors represent a significant advancement in managing type 2 diabetes
mellitus (T2DM). This review systematically examines their efficacy and safety, focusing on cardiovascular
outcomes and cancer risks. Our analysis, based on major clinical trials and observational studies, reveals that DPP-
4 inhibitors effectively reduce glycated hemoglobin levels and maintain a favorable safety profile. While
cardiovascular outcomes show general neutrality, heart failure risk has emerged as a consideration with specific
agents. Oncological safety data remains reassuring, though long-term surveillance is ongoing. This review
provides critical insights for clinicians managing diverse T2DM patient populations, particularly elderly patients
with multiple comorbidities.

Keywords: DPP-4 inhibitors, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular outcomes, cancer risk, glycemic control, elderly patients.