title: Statins are associated with reduced risk of gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several observational studies have shown that statins may modify the risk of gastric cancer (GC). We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the effect of statins on GC risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a systematic search of multiple databases up to December 2012. Studies that evaluated exposure to statins, reported GC outcomes and odds ratio (OR) or provided data for their estimation were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled OR estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven studies (eight observational, three post-hoc analyses of 26 clinical trials) reporting 5581 cases of GC were included. Meta-analysis showed a significant 32% reduction in GC risk with statin use (adjusted OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.91). After exclusion of one study which was contributing to considerable heterogeneity, a significant 16% reduction in GC risk was a more conservative, consistent estimate (adjusted OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78-0.90). This chemopreventive association was present in both Asian (adjusted OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53-0.87) and Western population (adjusted OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.93).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Meta-analysis of studies supports a protective association between statin use and GC risk, in both Asian and Western population, in a dose-dependent manner.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology. Electronic address: singh.preetpaul@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy; D016017:Odds Ratio; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012306:Risk; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
keywords: cancer risk; chemoprevention; gastric cancer; statins