Statins appear to suppress metastasis formation
Statins are widely used drugs used to lower blood cholesterol levels. A German research team has now discovered that the Cholesterinsenker may serve another purpose. Apparently they’re slowing down Krebs the growth of metastases the end.
Researchers at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint research facility of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, have discovered in a recent study that Statins inhibit metastases be able. The research results were recently published in the renowned journal “Clinical and Translational Medicine” presented.
Metastases are the biggest problem in cancer treatment
Only in a few cases do cancer patients die from a single tumor. Often, even after a successful operation, metastases form in other parts of the body. Cancer cells can migrate through the body at an early stage. They detach from the primary tumor and reach new tissue via neighboring lymphatic or blood vessels, where they settle and multiply again.
The MACC1 cancer gene
Preventing tumor metastasis is therefore a key concern in the treatment of Krebs. The working group around Professor Ulrike Stein has now proven that statins inhibit a gene called “metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 gene (MACC1)”, which allows cancer cells to metastasize more quickly.
“Many types of cancer only spread in patients with high MACC1 expression”, emphasizes Ulrike Stein. According to Stein, more than 300 studies have already confirmed that MACC1 is a key factor and biomarker for tumor growth and metastasis.
According to Stein, MACC1 is not just an example colon cancer a central role, but also in over 20 other solid tumors, such as gastric cancer, liver cancer or breast cancer. In the current study by the working group, it turned out that Statins inhibit this central gene for metastasis.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs inhibited metastasis
The team tested seven different cholesterol-lowering drugs on mice that had been genetically modified to have increased MACC1 expression and were therefore at high risk for cancer and metastases. All showed an inhibitory effect on the metastasis of cancer cells, although not to the same extent.
After the administration of cholesterol-lowering drugs, the animals hardly developed any tumors or metastases. “What’s particularly remarkable is that this continued to work in the animals even after we reduced the dose relative to the amount that humans normally take.”explains Stein.
Cancer risk was halved when taking cholesterol-lowering drugs
The researchers checked the findings on data from 300,000 patients who take cholesterol-lowering drugs. “Compared to the general population, patients taking statins had half the incidence of cancer”confirms Robert Preißner from the research team.
Do not take statins to prevent cancer
However, Professor Stein advises against taking statins to protect against cancer. Cholesterol-lowering drugs can cause serious side effects. The intake must take place under regular medical supervision.
“We are still at the very beginning”, emphasizes the research director. Mice are not humans and the results cannot be extrapolated to humans without further research. A clinical trial in humans is now to follow to confirm whether statins can indeed suppress metastases in humans. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Diploma-Editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Swell:
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association: Cholesterol-lowering drugs can slow down metastases (published: February 28th, 2022), mdc-berlin.de
- Bjoern-O Gohlke et al: Real-world Evidence for Preventive Effects of Statins on Cancer Incidence: A Trans-Atlantic Analysis, in: Clinical and Translational Medicine (2022), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ctm2.726, onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.