Phase II Study of Metronomic Chemotherapy with Thalidomide, Carboplatin-Vincristine-Fluvastatin in the Treatment of Brain Stem Tumors in Children

The pleiotropic effects and therapeutic potential of the hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors in malignancies: A comprehensive review

“…Data continues to emerge, suggesting that statin pleiotropy may extend to a larger number of malignancies, as evidenced by (1) induction of cancer cell apoptosis and chemotherapeutic drug synergism by statins in patients with ovarian cancer, (2) an observed 67% reduction in the risk of pancreatic cancer with at least 6 months of statin use (P < 0.01), which increases to 80% if prescribed for more than 4 years (P < 0.01), (3) significant reduction in melanoma cell migration and metastasis in murine models treated with statins, as well as a 19% reduction in Breslow thickness (P = 0.03) in statin users with melanoma, (4) a nearly 50% reduction in the risk of renal cell carcinoma with statin use observed across different gender and age groups, and (5) sensitization of glioblastoma cells to gefitinib treatment, as well as decreased tumor size and increased survival in pediatric patients with brain stem tumors treated with statins and conventional chemotherapeutic regimens. [36][37][38][39][88][89][90] While a large amount of data exists supporting the possible use of statins in malignancies, it is important to note that several studies have conversely shown that statins may in fact promote the development of cancer. A metaanalysis of 42 studies, which included 17 randomized trials, by Kuoppala et al [91] revealed that while statin use had no overall effect on the incidence of cancer, there was a weak association between statins and increased incidence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer over a median follow-up of 4 years.…”

New approaches to pharmacotherapy of tumors of the nervous system during childhood and adolescence

“…Initial results showed a 71% survival at 24 months and a mean tumor volume that went from 20 to 9 cc. However, the small size of this series, the varied tumor types included (Lopez-Aguilar et al, 2008), and the difficulty in reproducibly assessing tumor size from MRI images (Hayward et al, 2008) make these results difficult to evaluate.…”

New strategies for the treatment of ovarian cancer

“…Excitingly, the statins retained activity in chemotherapyresistant ovarian cancer cells, thereby supporting their potential use in refractory ovarian cancer. Fluvastatin (8 mg/kg of body mass per day, ∼0.5 g/day) in combination with chemotherapy significantly increased survival, reduced tumour volume and increased quality of life in children with brain stem tumours [44]. Thus clinical trials using these relatively 'low' doses seem unlikely to succeed.…”