Can cholesterol lowering drugs improve survival in patients with colorectal cancer?

This study investigated whether statins (such as Lipitor, Livalo) can improve survival for colorectal cancer patients.

Statins are a class of drug used to lower cholesterol. They are used to prevent heart disease in patients who are at high risk. Recent evidence suggests that statins also slow cell growth, stop new blood vessels forming and cause cell death. Together these effects suggest that statins also could be useful anti-cancer drugs. It is unclear whether statin use benefits patients with colorectal cancer.

This study analyzed previous medical records from 7657 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. 2662 of these patients received statins after their cancer diagnosis. Patients using statins were more likely to be suffering from other conditions including diabetes and heart disease. They were also more likely to be taking other drugs including aspirin or anti-diabetic medication (such as Glucophage). Patient survival and cancer-related survival (patients who did not die directly from the cancer) was compared between patients who had and had not taken statins.

Statin users had an improved chance of cancer-related survival. Patients taking statins were 29% less likely to die from their cancer, compared to patients not taking statins. The risk decreased even further in patients who took statins for more than one year, who had a 36% lower risk of dying from their cancer.

Statin users also had better overall survival than patients who never used statins after their diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Patients taking statins were 25% more likely to survive, compared to patients not taking statins.

The authors concluded that statin use after diagnosis of colorectal cancer was linked with longer survival times.

This study only reviewed patient records, this may have drawbacks including the potential for biased or missing results.

It is very important to remember that drugs can interact with each other and this can affect their function. If you are considering taking statins, please discuss the possible risks with your doctor.