A large study from the New England Research Institutes found that men using statins had lower blood levels of androgens such as testoterone, however, it was more likely due to poor health than the use of the statins. This finding refutes previous findings that statins might cut prostate cancer risk by reducing the production of such male hormones that fuel cancer growth.According to Susan A. Hall, Ph.D., this finding doesn't mean that statins aren't lowering prostate cancer risk through other pathways, but they are not lowering the risk through the reduction of male hormones.
A large, recent study found that men using statins were at lower risk of developing metastatic prostate cancer, especially if the statins were used long-term. Other studies have had mixed results according to Hall. Statins lower cholesterol and since cholesterol is required to produce male hormones, some researchers have theorized that statins may reduce production of these hormones, and hence prostate cancer.
1. NO NO NO NO NO!!!
Please revise the headline! Previous evidence indicated strongly that statins give very substantial help in protecting against aggressive and lethal prostate cancer, and this study does not challenge that at all! Previous studies also suggested that statins do not help prevent the occurence of prostate cancer, but that is not at issue here and has not changed.
What the study indicates is that statins do not cause their apparently beneficial effect through reduction of testosterone, as had been hypothesized. As you note, the study "doesn't mean that statins aren't lowering prostate cancer risk through other pathways."
As it stands your headline is simply wrong and misleading!
Jim Waldenfels http://www.mycancerplace.com/profile.php?sub_section=blog&id=147
Posted at 6:10PM on Aug 15th 2007 by Jim Waldenfels