By Sharon Sharma

Preclinical studies of lipid lowering drugs Statin has shown anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and radio-sensitising properties. Can it be used in patients treated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer? According to the study published first online in Journal of Clinical Oncology, April 26, Statin use in Prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy resulted in a significant improvement in freedom from biochemical failure, freedom from androgen deprivation therapy and relapse-free survival. Improved survival in statin users occurred in all risk groups of cancer and was independent of androgen deprivation therapy or radiotherapy. The favourable effect of statins may be mediated by direct effect or via the LDL-lowering effect of these medications.