The ‘Behind the Headlines’ service from NHS Choices has featured a quality assessment of press reports that statins have “been shown to block the growth and spread of tumours” (as reported by the Daily Express and others, 20th January 2012).

The assessment notes that the reports are based on early laboratory research that showed a specific mutation in the p53 gene has a role in the generation of cancerous cells.  Simvastatin was found to interfere with the effects of this mutation in both cells and in mice.

The authors of the assessment comment that this research is at a very early stage and that it will be years before we know if statins are an effective treatment for cancer.  Many questions remain unanswered, such as:    

• Do statins have this effect only on breast cancer cells or will other cancer cells respond as well?

• Will statins reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells in humans?

• Are statins sufficient on their own as a potential treatment, or will other treatments be required as well? If others are required, how do statins interact with other treatments?

• Is there any existing evidence of lower cancer rates among statin users?

Please see the link below for details.