In a nutshell
This study looked at the effect statins had on the outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The authors found that the use of statins is likely associated with lower mortality in these patients.
Some background
MM is a form of cancer that originates from plasma cells (a form of white blood cell). This usually results in other normal cells of the bone marrow not working properly. MM is usually diagnosed in older patients. Despite new therapies being developed MM remains incurable.
Statins are a group of drugs used to lower blood cholesterol levels. Statins have been used as a preventative treatment for heart disease. There has been recent work that has shown that statins have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. However, the effect statins have on the outcomes of patients with MM remains unclear.
Methods & findings
There were a total of 5922 patients in this study. 45.6% of these patients were using statins. The average follow-up for this study was 20 months.
The average overall survival of all patients was 26.1 months. Statin users had a longer average overall survival (28.7 months) compared to non-statin users (23.7 months). The use of statins was associated with a 21% reduction in the mortality risk in patients with MM.
In patients who received a newer MM treatment such as bortezomib (Velcade), carfilzomib (Kyprolis), lenalidomide (Revlimid), pomalidomide (Pomalyst), or thalidomide (Thalomid), statin use resulted in a 10% reduction in mortality risk compared to those not using statins.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that statins may be associated with a reduction of mortality in patients with MM.
The fine print
Most of the patients included in this study were aged 65 or older. Therefore, the effects of statins in younger patients with MM are not known. Also, there was no information on the type and dose of statins related to patients' outcomes. Further studies are needed.
Published By :
Clinical lymphoma, myeloma & leukemia
Date :
Dec 01, 2020
