Private MD News

Researchers explain how statins may lower breast cancer risk

Category: Breast

Statin medications have been shown to reduce a woman's risk of receiving a positive breast cancer test, yet doctors have not been entirely sure why this is. Now, a new study out of Columbia University may explain this benefit, and open the door to the use of statins to protect against tumors.

For the study, researchers examined the function of a gene known as p53 in breast tissue. This gene regulates the growth of new cells and previous studies have shown that mutations in it may lead to unchecked cell proliferation, the kind found in breast tumors.

The researchers found that this gene operates on a cholesterol-producing pathway that is the target of statin medications. The findings suggest that statin medications may regulate the activity of the p53 gene, preventing it from enabling cancer cells from proliferating.

For now, the findings are at a theoretical state. The researchers said it is too early to recommend statin medications for the prevention of breast cancer. However, they do believe their findings point to a need for further investigation into the potential benefits of these drugs.