Professor Penny Webb gives insight into the new British Journal of Cancer publication for an ovarian cancer study.
The study looked at the use of a statin to improve survival for women with ovarian cancer.
Professor Penny Webb, ANZGOG member and cancer epidemiologist, summarises the study publication:
In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, statins also affect other factors involved in cell growth, repair, and survival, and so might restrict cancer growth. By linking prescription data for all women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer in Australia from 2003-2013, we found mortality was 13% lower among those who took statins, with a 50% reduction among women with endometrioid cancers.
However, the benefit was restricted to women who only started taking statins after their cancer diagnosis, and they may have an inherently better prognosis as sicker women are less likely to start taking preventive medication. While the use of statins may improve ovarian cancer survival, an RCT is required to provide definitive evidence.
