Statin therapy is not associated with prostate cancer recurrence among patients who underwent radiation therapy

We investigated whether statin use is associated with reduced risk of recurrence in prostate cancer patients who undergo radiotherapy. A retrospective cohort of 774 patients from a California health plan was followed for 5 years. Statin use prior to, during and after radiotherapy was not associated with prostate cancer recurrence [hazard ratio = 0.99 (0.70–1.39), 0.87 (0.62–1.22) and 0.78 (0.55–1.09), respectively] in multivariable Cox models. No clear dose–response relationship was observed for average daily statin dose or duration of statin use. Our findings do not support a preventive benefit of statins in prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy.

► A total of 774 prostate cancer patients treated with radiation therapy were included in the study. ► Associations between statin use and prostate cancer recurrence after therapy were examined. ► Statin use prior to, during or after radiation therapy was not associated with risk of recurrence. ► No clear dose-response by cumulative statin dose or duration of statin use was observed. ► Findings do not support a preventive benefit of statins in prostate cancer recurrence.