prostate-report.org

The impact of statin therapy on PSA levels

A scientific team has reported data from a longitudinal study of 1,214 men receiving statin treatment with drugs like simvastatin or atorvastatin (Lipitor) between 1990 and 2006.

All patients were free of prostate cancer, had never had prostate surgery, had never taken drugs like finasteride that are known to alter androgen levels, and had had at least one PSA value taken within 2 years before and at least one PSA value taken within 1 year after starting a statin. The authors report that in these men, PSA levels declined significantly following the start of statin treatment.

The reduction was most pronounced among men with the largest decreases in low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and among those with PSA levels that would make them candidates for prostate biopsy. It is clear that  statin therapy may be a complicating factor in detection the early detection of prostate cancer.