This study investigated whether taking vitamin B supplements to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood, reduces the risk of cerebrovascular disease. 

The authors determined the effect of metformin (Glucophage) on cancer recurrence (return of cancer) and overall survival in prostate cancer patients. 

This guideline article was authored by The Stroke Council of the AHA/ASA (the American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association). It provides an overview of the recommended management of patients with ischemic stroke according to the latest published medical data.

This study examined whether there is a link between the amount of testosterone in the prostate and the severity of the cancer.

This study compared the safety and efficacy of dabigatran (Pradaxa) versus warfarin (Coumadin) in the prevention of stroke. Patients with atrial fibrillation of both Asian and non-Asian ethnicity were included in this analysis.

Can statins increase the odds of surviving prostate cancer?

This study investigated whether statin use, either before or after cancer diagnosis, can improve survival of prostate cancer patients.

Statins are a group of drugs that are commonly used to lower cholesterol levels. Recent research also suggests that statins may have significant anti-cancer effects. However, early findings of studies investigating the relationship between statin use and cancer have been contradictory at best. Furthermore, most studies were limited by a small sample size, and concentrated on incidental statin use before diagnosis of cancer. A relationship between statin use after diagnosis of prostate cancer and patient survival has yet to be demonstrated.

In this study, researchers compared 11,772 patients diagnosed with local prostate cancer. Patients were followed for an average of 4.4 years. Overall, patients who routinely used statins after cancer diagnosis, regardless of whether they also used them prior to diagnosis, were 24% less likely to die of cancer-related causes. Using statins prior to cancer diagnosis was found to be even more beneficial. These patients were 45% less likely to die of cancer-related causes compared to patients who had never taken statins. Furthermore, patients were 14% less likely to die from any cause (cancer or non-cancer related) when receiving statins after prostate cancer diagnosis. Finally, a significant relationship was found between statin dose and the benefits received from therapy. Patients receiving higher doses of the drug, or those taking the drug for longer periods of time, were more likely to experience prolonged survival.

This study concluded that statin use can enhance survival after prostate cancer diagnosis.

This study did not take into account differences in cancer stage when analyzing the overall effect of statin use on survival. This may have significantly affected the reported results. In addition, one of the authors of this study has been employed by several pharmaceutical companies, including those which produce and sell statin based drugs.

Consult with your physician regarding the risks and benefits of statin use.

received an average of 4.4 years of follow-up

fine print

This study assessed the relationship between cancer survival, quality of life, and specific cancer symptoms among 11 different types of cancer.

This study compared the effect and safety of apixaban (Eliquis) and warfarin for the prevention of stroke among patients of different ages with atrial fibrillation. 

This paper studied how exercise and breast size were associated with breast cancer mortality. 

The authors determined the effect of hormone therapy on hot flash interference in prostate cancer patients.