title: [Statins for the prevention of colorectal carcinoma: not yet recommended].
abstract: Statins are widely prescribed as lipid-lowering agents in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. They are increasingly associated with potential chemopreventive effects with respect to cancer. A recent case-control study reported a 47% relative reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer associated with statin use after adjustment for other known risk factors. There is evidence of an inhibitory effect of statins on colorectal carcinogenesis from in vitro studies, animal experiments, and observational and epidemiological reports in humans. Although statins seem promising as chemopreventive agents, it is still too early to recommend their use against colorectal cancer outside the context of clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, afd. Maag-, Darm- en Leverziekten, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen. j.j.koornstra@int.umcg.nl
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Koornstra
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kleibeuker
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors