The role of statins in cancer therapy

Oncologist. 2006 Mar;11(3):306-15. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.11-3-306.

Abstract

Administration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, to ambulatory patients is associated with a lower incidence of long-term adverse cardiovascular events, including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and renal dysfunction. However, increasing clinical evidence suggests that statins, independent of their effects on serum cholesterol levels, may also play a potential role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Specifically, statins have been shown to exert several beneficial antineoplastic properties, including decreased tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The feasibility and efficacy of statins for the prevention and treatment of cancer is reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors