The effect of statins on survival in patients with stage IV lung cancer. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Jenny J.; Ezer, Nicole; Sigel, Keith; Mhango, Grace; Wisnivesky, Juan P.
• Is Part Of: Lung cancer. Volume 99(2016)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Non-small cell lung cancer -- Statins -- Survival analysis -- Outcomes; Lungs -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Lung Neoplasms -- Abstracts; Lung Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Poumons -- Cancer -- Périodiques; Lungs -- Cancer; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 616.99424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2016.07.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5002

Abstract

Highlights: In our sample, 27% of patients were on statins at time of NSCLC diagnosis. Stage IV NSCLC patients on statins prior to cancer diagnosis have improved survival. These findings suggest a potential anticancer effect of statins. Abstract: Objectives: Prior studies have shown an anticancer effect of statins in patients with certain malignancies. However, it is unclear whether statins have a mortality benefit in lung cancer. We compared survival of patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving vs . not receiving statins prior to diagnosis. Methods: Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry linked to Medicare claims, we identified 5118 patients >65 years of age diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC between 2007 and 2009. We used propensity score methods to assess the association of statin use with overall and lung cancer-specific survival while controlling for measured confounders. Results: Overall, 27% of patients were on statins at time of lung cancer diagnosis. Median survival in the statin group was 7 months, compared to 4 months in patients not treated with statins (p < 0.001). Propensity score analyses found that statin use was associated with improvement in overall (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–0.79) and lung cancer-specific survival (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.73–0.81), after controlling for baseline patient characteristics, cancer characteristics, staging work-up and chemotherapy use. Conclusions: Statin use is associated with improved survival among patients with stage IV NSCLC suggesting a potential anticancer effect. Further research should evaluate plausible biological mechanisms as well as test the effect of statins in prospective clinical trials.