Statins may have link to cancer
A very recent analysis released is questioning a link between the use of cholesterol lowering drugs called “statins” and the increased risk of cancer.
The initial analysis suggests that the cardiovascular benefits of achieved levels of LDL cholesterol might be offset by an increased risk of cancer. In the analysis of patients enrolled, investigators observed a "significant and linear relationship" between achieved LDL levels and the risk of new cancer cases.
There have been numerous studies previously showing the reduction in cardiovascular risk using these drugs, but this new observation will raise some concern on the aggressiveness of treatment in patients.
This analysis was really focused on trying to enhance our understanding of the risk side of the statins but it has now produced a provocative and interesting result that raises a lot of new questions. Researchers are warning everyone not to jump to conclusions and certainly not to stop taking the medication until further analysis and studies can be completed.
Investigators continue to study the effect of drug dosage on liver and muscle toxicity but will now have to add another potential outcome indicator in the studies.
It is interesting historically that physicians in the pre-statin era monitored cholesterol levels and knew there was a correlation with falling levels and the later finding of cancer. We seem to have forgotten some of these clinical pearls and now rely more and more on studies which later turn out to only be partially true.
Others are rationalizing that the use of statins are causing people to live longer and that is why we are discovering more cancer. This may or may not be the case.
Once again, the jury is out. Moderation seems to be the key. No overly-aggressive attempts to alter what the body is doing naturally seems to be the prudent strategy for most patients!
The initial analysis suggests that the cardiovascular benefits of achieved levels of LDL cholesterol might be offset by an increased risk of cancer. In the analysis of patients enrolled, investigators observed a "significant and linear relationship" between achieved LDL levels and the risk of new cancer cases.
There have been numerous studies previously showing the reduction in cardiovascular risk using these drugs, but this new observation will raise some concern on the aggressiveness of treatment in patients.
This analysis was really focused on trying to enhance our understanding of the risk side of the statins but it has now produced a provocative and interesting result that raises a lot of new questions. Researchers are warning everyone not to jump to conclusions and certainly not to stop taking the medication until further analysis and studies can be completed.
Investigators continue to study the effect of drug dosage on liver and muscle toxicity but will now have to add another potential outcome indicator in the studies.
It is interesting historically that physicians in the pre-statin era monitored cholesterol levels and knew there was a correlation with falling levels and the later finding of cancer. We seem to have forgotten some of these clinical pearls and now rely more and more on studies which later turn out to only be partially true.
Others are rationalizing that the use of statins are causing people to live longer and that is why we are discovering more cancer. This may or may not be the case.
Once again, the jury is out. Moderation seems to be the key. No overly-aggressive attempts to alter what the body is doing naturally seems to be the prudent strategy for most patients!
Labels: cancer, cholesterol, statins, study
posted by Anonymous at 5:57 AM
5 Comments:
According to your recent postings, it seems like the best thing to do in the morning is to roll over and go back to sleep. Just getting up in the morning seems too risky.
Is it me, or does every news item seem to promote the 'one step forward, two steps back' approach? Despite the tremendous advances we have seen in the last decades, particular in medicine, there are too many people who focus on the negatives - which are usually only possibilities to being with!
Can you elaborate a little on the findings in the latest studies. Are the findings a significant ratio...or just a small one...causing undue alarm? And what types of cancer?
I am one of your patients on a statin drug. Do I need to make an appointment to discuss this study and how it applies to me? Or am I understanding that you feel the position is a wait and see and just discuss at my annual checkup?
Just another negative effect from going the drug path to health. Why don't we learn more about the benefits of fish oil, olive oil, coconut oil and better nutritional habits to avoid the problem naturally. We need to break away from the current paradigm in medical practice and treat ourselves.
I do believe it is a wait and see approach, and I for one believe that using meds judiciously and not being overly aggressive is the best approach.
Americans could do well following the advice of the last poster. Getting back to a "mediterranian" type of diet with more natural, less processed foods would do a lot to make us healthier.
Better living through drugs is not necessarily a motto I hold to.
Drug companies are not really interested in funding post marketing drug studies especially if their product has side effects that warrant possible removal from the marketplace.
Post a Comment
<< Home