Patterns of statin initiation and continuation in patients with breast or colorectal cancer, towards end-of-life.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Cross-sectional studies show that statins, used in cardiovascular disease prevention, are often discontinued approaching death. Studies investigating associations between statin exposure and cancer outcomes, not accounting for these exposure changes, are prone to reverse causation bias. The aim of this study was to describe longitudinally the changes in statin initiation and continuation prior to death in patients with breast or colorectal cancer, thus establishing an appropriate exposure lag time.

Methods

This study was carried out using linked cancer registry and prescribing data. We identified patients who died of their cancer (cases) and cancer survivors were used as controls. The probability of initiating or continuing statin use was estimated up to 5 years prio

SUBMITTER: Smith A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5378743 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature