Private MD News

Statins may lower the risk of prostate cancer recurrence

Category: Prostate

Men who have had a prostatectomy to remove cancer are less likely to see a recurrence of tumors as shown by PSA testing if they are also taking statins to control their cholesterol, a new study has found.

Researchers from Duke University analyzed the medical records of 1319 men who underwent radical prostatectomy to remove prostate cancer. They found that 16 percent of men who took statin medications showed signs of a recurrence of the cancer on PSA testing, while 25 percent of men who were not taking the medication showed signs of recurrence.

Steven Freedland, who led the investigation, said that despite many recent studies, it is still unclear how statins can lower cancer risk. However, a picture showing their potential usefulness in cancer treatments is beginning to emerge.

"The findings add another layer of evidence suggesting that statins may have an important role in slowing the growth and progression of prostate cancer," he said. "Previous studies have shown that statins have anti-cancer properties, but it's not entirely clear when it's best to use them."

Robert Hamilton, who also participated in the research, said that more trials would be needed to determine how useful the drugs can be in treating cancer patients.