Serum Lipids, Lipid-Lowering Drugs, and the Risk of Breast Cancer

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Three-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, were first introduced in the United States in 1987 and are commonly prescribed to reduce serum cholesterol levels.1,2 Although initial animal studies3 and a randomized trial4 raised concern that statins may increase cancer risk, laboratory evidence suggests that statins inhibit tumor development by inducing cell cycle arrest5 and apoptosis.6 In addition, experimental studies suggest that statins may act synergistically with standard chemotherapy agents in cancer treatment.7 Findings from observational studies of the association between statins and breast cancer risk have been conflicting. Statins were weakly associated with increased risk in a case-control study8 and significantly inversely associated with breast cancer in a prospective study.9 No overall association was seen in 5 other studies.10-14