Journal issues > Issue 2, May 2013 > Statins and cancer

Statins and cancer

Summary

Although proliferating malignant cells consume cholesterol, this may not completely explain the observed inverse relation between plasma cholesterol levels and the incidence of cancer. Results of studies and meta-analysis, investigating possible adverse effects of cholesterol-lowering therapy did not disclose any consistent promoting or preventive activity of statins on the incidence of frequently occurring cancers. However, statin use may reduce the rate of dedifferentiation and recurrence of established prostate and breast cancer. Furthermore, lipoprotein (-like) ligands for low- and high density lipoprotein receptors on tumour cells can serve as carriers for targeted anti-cancer therapies.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2013:7(2):46–49)

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