Statin Use and Reduced Cancer-Related Mortality

In a population-based Danish registry study, statin use before a cancer diagnosis reduced cancer-related mortality by 15% across a broad range of cancers. Cholesterol is a fundamental structural component of mammalian cell membranes and is essential for cellular proliferation. 1 , 2 Statins inhibit the production of endogenous cholesterol 3 and block protein prenylation, and statin use may therefore influence cell proliferation and migration. 4 , 5 Cancer-cell proliferation is seen clinically as cancer growth and metastasis, and it ultimately results in the death of the patient. A reduction in the availability of cholesterol could lead to decreased proliferation and migration of cancer cells. 6 , 7 Also, a reduction in the downstream products in the mevalonate pathway due to statin use has been associated with several potential anticancer properties . . .