In a nutshell
This study evaluated the association between statin (cholesterol-lowering drugs) use and survival outcomes in men with advanced prostate cancer (PC) undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The data showed that statin use improved the survival outcomes in these patients.
Some background
Metastatic prostate cancer (PC) is a form of cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. PC can be treated by surgery, radiotherapy (RT), or hormone therapy such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT reduces the production of androgens (male sex hormones such as testosterone). Reducing these androgens prevents cancer cell growth.
Statins are usually prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of major heart-related events such as heart attacks or strokes. Previous studies have shown that statin use improved the outcomes of patients with cancer. Statins may help to reduce the side effects of ADT. However, there are few studies evaluating the association between statin use and survival outcomes in men with advanced PC undergoing ADT.
Methods & findings
This study analyzed 19 other studies that involved a total of 119,878 men with advanced PC undergoing ADT. 65,488 patients (55%) were statin users.
Statin use reduced the risk of overall mortality by 27%. Statin use reduced the risk of death due to PC by 35%.
The bottom line
This study concluded that statin use improved the survival outcomes in men with advanced PC receiving ADT.
The fine print
This study looked back in time at medical records. The data analyzed was observational and randomized clinical trials are needed to validate the conclusions.
Published By :
JAMA network open
Date :
Nov 01, 2022
