The Effect of Atorvastatin on Breast Cancer Biomarkers in High-Risk Women

Abstract

Statins have the potential to reduce breast cancer incidence and recurrence as shown in both epidemiologic and laboratory studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a lipophilic statin, atorvastatin, on breast cancer biomarkers of risk [mammographic density (MD) and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1)] in high-risk premenopausal women. Premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer received either 40 mg of atorvastatin or placebo for 1 year. Biomarker assessment was performed prior to initiation and at completion of study medication. MD was determined using both Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System and the visual analogue scale. Serum IGF-1 was determined by ELISA assay at the end of the study. Sixty-three women were enrolled between December 2005 and May 2010. Sixteen (25%) women withdrew. The mean age of participants was 43 (range, 35–50), 100% were white, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 26.4. The statin group demonstrated a significant decrease in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), suggesting compliance with study medication. After accounting for BMI, there was no difference in change in MD between groups. There was a significant increase in serum IGF-1 in the statin group. In this multi-institutional randomized prospective clinical trial of premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer, we did not see an effect of atorvastatin on MD. Further investigation of statins may be warranted; however, design of prior trials and potential mechanism of action of the agent need to be considered in the design of future trials.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic and Autophagic Effects of Atorvastatin on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

“…Studies conducted with atorvastatin also show contradictory results. For example, in the study by Ji et al ( 22 ) biomarker assessments were not changed by atorvastatin application. However, more randomized clinical trials are needed to investigate these associations.…”

The dichotomous role of H2S in cancer cell biology? Déjà vu all over again

“…Emerging research suggests that statins may prevent various types of cancers, including colon [182–184] and breast [185–187] as well as ovarian, pancreatic, lung, and lymphomas, reviewed in [188]. Statins inhibit cancer cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at the G 1 -S phase and inducing apoptosis [189, 190].…”

Cardio-oncology Related to Heart Failure

“…These biological data have been confirmed in clinical studies. 115 Improved disease-free survivals have been demonstrated in breast cancer survivors and prostate cancer survivors taking statins. 116,117 Recently, a large study of more than 4000 veterans with multiple myeloma demonstrated a 12-month overall survival advantage in individuals with multiple myeloma on a statin.…”