Boston, Massachusetts – A recent study suggests that the use of common cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, may potentially reduce the risk of cancer development. The research conducted by the Mass General Cancer Center found that statins could target a pathway involved in cancer formation due to chronic inflammation in the body.
Dr. Shawn Demehri, the senior author of the study, highlighted the significance of chronic inflammation as a leading cause of cancer globally. The study focused on investigating how environmental toxins contribute to cancer-prone chronic inflammation in the skin and pancreas. By identifying safe and effective therapies to inhibit this pathway, the researchers aimed to suppress chronic inflammation and its cancerous outcomes.
According to the study authors, around 20% of cancers worldwide are attributed to chronic inflammation. Given that over 40 million Americans take statins, which are accessible and affordable medications, the findings have the potential to decrease the risk of cancer by mitigating chronic inflammation in individuals.
Through the analysis of human tissue samples, animal models, and epidemiological data, the researchers uncovered key insights into the role of statins in combating cancer-causing inflammation. The study revealed that exposure to chemical irritants and allergens triggers pathways leading to the production of a specific protein that fuels inflammation in the skin and pancreas, ultimately contributing to cancer development.
Specifically, the researchers found that the statin pitavastatin could suppress the activation of the cancer-promoting protein by blocking a signaling pathway. In mice, pitavastatin was effective in reducing inflammation caused by environmental toxins, thereby preventing inflammation-associated pancreatic cancers.
Moving forward, the research team plans to explore additional ways in which statins can combat inflammation that predisposes individuals to cancer. Dr. Demehri emphasized the importance of investigating the impact of statins in preventing cancer development in chronic inflammation in the liver and gastrointestinal tract, as well as identifying novel therapeutic strategies to suppress inflammation-induced cancer.
Overall, the study sheds light on the potential of statins to not only lower cholesterol but also serve as a valuable tool in reducing the risk of cancer by targeting chronic inflammation pathways in the body. The findings open up new possibilities for leveraging existing medications to address cancer-related inflammation and pave the way for further research in this area.