Statins and breast cancer prognosis: evidence and opportunities.

ABSTRACT: Much preclinical and epidemiological evidence supports the anticancer effects of statins. Epidemiological evidence does not suggest an association between statin use and reduced incidence of breast cancer, but does support a protective effect of statins--especially simvastatin--on breast cancer recurrence. Here, we argue that the existing evidence base is sufficient to justify a clinical trial of breast cancer adjuvant therapy with statins and we advocate for such a trial to be initiated without delay. If a protective effect of statins on breast cancer recurrence is supported by trial evidence, then the indications for a safe, well tolerated, and inexpensive treatment can be expanded to improve outcomes for breast cancer survivors. We discuss several trial design opportunities--including c

SUBMITTER: Ahern TP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4167822 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature