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Scientists have discovered evidence that women with breast cancer and have a certain genetic mutation can benefit from statin therapy that lowers levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Although scientists confirm that the search is still in very early stage to provide definitive conclusions, they said that it holds much significance.
The research focuses on a gene called "my 53" which usually stops cancer cells. However, often turn a gene which gives the wrong functions enhance the new cancer, which leads to the growth of irregular and aggressive cells.
According to the authors of the study, more than half of all human cancers carry mutations of the p53 gene.
The study showed laboratory at Columbia University that the U.S. treatment of breast cells that carry mutant p53 genes statin drugs decreased aggressive growth and in some cases disappear to the cells. In this reference to the possibility of identifying subsets of patients who have tumors that can respond to statin drugs.
It is worth mentioning that the separate studies have indicated that statins can help in the fight against cancer, the study published last year in the journal Cancer that men who take statins may be less likely by 30% because up to them after prostate cancer surgery.
And another report showed a decline of 12% in the development of colon cancer in those who were taking statins for at least five years.
But these studies were observational, meaning they can not prove causality. It is also not looking at the probable cause of the decline in cancer is clear.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
