Potential use of statins in breast cancer

Benefits of using of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors for cancer patients are discussed. There has been increasing evidence that statins can be used in prevention and/or treatment of cancer due to their influence on the processes of cell proliferation and differentiation. Preclinical trials have shown that statins and physical activity without concomitant anti-cancer therapy inhibit the breast cancer growth and metastasis. Results of the recent retrospective study have demonstrated that cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, most breast cancer chemotherapy regimens are based on anthracycline antibiotics with cardiovascular toxicity. The hypolipidemic and pleothropic effects of statins determine a possible clinical potential of agents for the prevention and/or treatment of the damages to the myocardium and the vascular endothelium under conditions of anti-tumor treatment.