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This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Statins May Fight Prostate Cancer
Oct. 29, 2007 (Los Angeles) -- The widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins appear to slash the risk of relapse among men undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer, researchers report.
In a study of nearly 900 men who underwent radiation therapy, those who took statins before and during treatment were 10% more likely to be cancer-free a decade after diagnosis, compared with those who didn’t take the medications.
Overall, 76% of men who took statins were alive and without cancer 10 years after treatment vs. 66% of those who didn’t, says researcher Michael J. Zelefsky, MD, a radiation oncologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Statins are one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the U.S. They include cholesterol medications such as Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor.
Men With Aggressive Tumors Benefit Most
Zelefsky says men with large, fast-growing tumors reaped the greatest benefit from the statin medications.
While other studies have suggested that statins may help to prevent prostate cancer, Zelefsky says he believes this is the first to show that the drugs, when used in conjunction with radiation, can cut the chance of relapse.
Do men have to be on radiation therapy to benefit? Zelefsky says that no one really knows as he only studied men on the treatment.
"But it could be that statins make cells more sensitive so that the radiation can kill them more effectively," he tells WebMD.
Further Study Needed
Until the findings are confirmed in other large, well-designed studies, researchers say that it's too soon to recommend that men with prostate cancer start taking statins for their antitumor properties.
But so many men are already taking them that it is reassuring to see a benefit when the two are combined, Eric Horwitz, MD, vice chairman of radiation oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, tells WebMD.
The study was presented at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology annual meeting.
The researchers did not look at whether the type or dose of statins affected the results, although they hope future studies will address those questions.
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Sheldon Marks, MD, explains nearly everything you need to know about an enlarged prostate but were afraid to ask.
