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Statins prevent prostate cancer and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunctionA study at the University of Toronto Medical Center in Ontario, Canada found that the use of statins at the time of surgery was associated with a 30 percent reduction in the risk of recurrence of prostate cancer. Researchers concluded that the anti-inflammatory properties of statins may explain the finding that men who were taking statins before undergoing surgical removal of their prostate had a lower risk of having the cancer return. However, the lead researcher thinks it might also be the ability of these drugs to lower cholesterol that has an effect on cancer cells. The results of these studies are exciting, but researchers need more time to answer some questions such as the optimal dose, the length of time one needs to be taking statins to achieve a benefit, and whether starting statin therapy after surgery would have the same effect Another study focused on association between statin use and prostate tumor inflammation. The study concluded that men who were using statins prior to surgery had a very low risk for prostate tumor inflammation. The researchers also found that obesity appears to be linked with increased inflammation and more aggressive prostate cancer. Another report at Johns Hopkins University, also found statins may help in reducing the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. In their statement researchers suggest that the use of statins may be associated with more favorable pathological features at radical prostatectomy. Dr. Rodney H. Breau from the Mayo Clinic led a study that found statins were linked with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. According to study conclusion, among 75 men taking statins who had biopsies, 30 tested positive for prostate cancer. Dr. Breau thinks this new research provides evidence that statin use is associated with a threefold reduced risk of being diagnosed with prostate. Another report coming from Mayo Clinic researchers, has been shown statins to have anti-inflammatory effects, and previous research suggests inflammation may be associated with benign prostate disease. Researchers found that statins and/or with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) resulted in fewer lower urinary tract symptoms related to an enlarged prostate that could lead to conclusion that men's urinary health could be improved by taking statin medications. In another study at Mayo Clinic, researchers found that older men taking statins over an extended period had a lower risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Moreover, men who took statins for a longer time, nine years or more, were less likely to develop ED. Researchers think that at this point in time, there seems to be a lot of evidence that there may be a future role for statin medication in prostate cancer treatment or prostate cancer prevention, so soon may come a time when people will be taking statins to treat or prevent prostate cancer. NOTE: Issues on this site regarding prostate cancer and treatment options, are provided for information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Prostate-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. |
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