In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to identify a drug that prevented the spread (metastasis) of melanoma. The study found that patients who took statins had a lower risk of developing metastasis.
Some background
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. Treatment for melanoma includes surgery to remove the tumor. In more advanced melanoma, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body (metastatic melanoma). Treatment options for metastatic melanoma (MM) are poor.
Tumor cells that can spread to other areas of the body have a specific set of genes (“metastatic genes”). These genes help the cancer cells to develop the processes they need to spread. Therapies that prevent these genes from working could prevent metastasis.
Statins are a type of drug that is commonly used for treating high cholesterol. Experiments have shown that statins have the potential to prevent the development of MM. However, it is not clear whether statins are effective in patients with melanoma.
Methods & findings
This study had two phases. In the first phase, a computer-based drug screen was carried out. The aim of the screen was to find a drug that could prevent metastatic genes from working. The screen identified statins. Statins such as fluvastatin (Lescol) were tested in melanoma cells. Fluvastatin caused a decrease in the metastatic genes.
In the second phase, a data set of 311 patients with melanoma was evaluated. Some of these patients had been taking statins when diagnosed with melanoma. Significantly fewer patients taking statins developed metastasis compared to those not taking statins. 24.7% of patients who had taken statins developed metastasis. This was compared to 37.6% of patients who did not take statins who developed metastasis.
The bottom line
The study concluded that statins may reduce the risk of developing metastasis in patients with melanoma.
The fine print
This study evaluated data from patients treated before the study. Also, the sample size was small and not very diverse. A randomized trial should be carried out to investigate if statins can prevent metastasis.
Published By :
The Journal of investigative dermatology
Date :
Jan 05, 2021
