Statins Lower Prostate Cancer Recurrence Risk

Men who use statins after prostate cancer surgery have lower chances of developing the condition again, researchers have found.

The study, conducted by Duke Medicine, found that statins use by these men was linked to a 36 percent reduced risk of prostate cancer recurrence.

"Our findings suggest that beginning statins after surgery may reduce the risk of prostate cancer recurrence, so it's not too late to start statins after a diagnosis," said lead author Emma H. Allott, Ph.D., a postdoctoral associate in the Division of Urology at Duke and the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, according to news release.

Prostate cancer occurs in tissues of the prostate- a gland present below the bladder and in front of the rectum. According to National Cancer Institute, this year some 200,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S.

Statins are used to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body. Around 30 million people in the U.S take the drug and it has made over $19 billion in domestic sales. Previous research has revealed some cancer-lowering properties of the drug.

The study was based on data of men who had undergone surgery for prostate cancer. The sample included 400 men, who used statin after surgery and 746 men, who never used the drug. Researchers found that within six years of follow-up, 65 men in the statin group and 337 men in the non statin group developed cancer.

Data analysis showed that statin use lowered cancer recurrence risk by 36 percent. Further research showed that the cancer-protective effects of statin were seen only in non-black men.

The study was a retrospective analysis of medical records. The scientists said that randomized controlled trials are required to understand the mechanism behind the cancer-lowering properties of statins.

"These future studies will help to determine whether statins - which are cost-effective and generally well-tolerated - may play a beneficial role in prostate cancer treatment, in addition to their proven role in preventing cardiovascular mortality," Allott said.

The study is published in the journal BJU International.