The risk of cancer in users of statins.
OBJECTIVE
Several preclinical studies suggested a role for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) in the treatment of cancer. The objective of this study was to compare the risk of incident cancer between users of statins and users of other cardiovascular medication.


METHODS
Data were used from the PHARMO database, containing drug dispensing records from community pharmacies and linked hospital discharge records for residents of eight Dutch cities. The study base included all patients with one or more prescriptions for cardiovascular drugs in the period between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 1998. Cases were identified as patients in the study base with a diagnosis of incident cancer and matched with four to six controls on sex, year of birth, geographic region, duration of follow-up, and index date. The analysis was adjusted for diabetes mellitus; prior hospitalizations; comorbidity; and use of diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sex hormones, and other lipid-lowering drug therapies.


RESULTS
In the study base, 3129 patients were identified and matched to 16976 controls. Statin use was associated with a risk reduction of cancer of 20% (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.96). Our data suggest that statins are protective when used longer than 4 years (adjusted OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.93) or when more than 1350 defined daily doses are taken (adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.91).


CONCLUSIONS
This observational study suggests that statins may have a protective effect against cancer.
Graaf
Matthijs R
MR
Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Beiderbeck
Annette B
AB
Egberts
Antoine C G
AC
Richel
Dick J
DJ
Guchelaar
Henk-Jan
HJ
D000368:Aged; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors