Prostate Cancer deaths lower in users of cholesterol lowering drugs

Data from a case-control study TAT American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) showed prostate cancer mortality risk declined by 50% in men taking statins for reasons unrelated to cancer, data from a case-control study showed.

According to Stephen Marcella, M.D., of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Public Health in Piscataway, the mortality benefit increased to almost two-thirds after adjustment for potential confounding factors. He reported his findings at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium here.

The benefit was greatest in men taking high-potency statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor), as well as lipophilic statins, such as atorvastatin and fluvastatin (Lescol).

Several recent studies have suggested that statin exposure decreases the risk of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Evidence also has linked prostate cancer to obesity and metabolic syndrome, two indications for statin use.

Any protective effect of statins in prostate cancer might be underestimated without adjustment for potential confounding by obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other factors, said Dr. Marcella.