Statins may benefit men with prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction or lower urinary tract symptoms

Apr 26 2009

Several new studies presented at the American Urological Association's (AUA) 104th Annual Scientific Meeting suggest that the use of statins - commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol - may benefit men with prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Several key research studies highlighting these benefits will be presented during a special panel for the media on Monday, April 27 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. during the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

The following study findings will be discussed by authors during the panel press conference:

Abstract 576: Is statin use associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness? Use of statins may be associated with more favorable pathological features at radical prostatectomy, including adverse tumor features and lower risk of positive surgical margins.

Abstract 1598: Statin medication use and the risk of biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy: results from the SEARCH database Statin use may be associated with a reduction in the risk of biochemical recurrence following prostatectomy.

Abstract 574: Associations between statin use and prostate-specific antigen levels and prostate cancer diagnosis. Statin use may be associated with a decreased risk of prostate biopsy, prostate cancer and exceeding age-specific prostate-specific antigen thresholds. Statin use may also prevent the development of prostate cancer.

Abstract 575: Association between statins, obesity and prostate tumor inflammatory infiltrate in men undergoing radical prostatectomy Statin use was associated with a significant 72 percent reduction in the risk for inflammation within the prostate tumor. Obesity may be associated with increased tumor inflammation, and with more aggressive prostate cancer.

Abstract 925: Statin use and development of erectile dysfunction Statins may provide the added benefit of reducing a man's risk of developing erectile dysfunction in association with the drug's use in vascular disease.

Abstract 1646: Statin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and development of urologic outcomes The combined use of statins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may further decrease the risk of developing lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

"These studies add to a growing body of literature supporting the beneficial effects of statins in certain subsets of patients," said J. Brantley Thrasher, MD, an AUA spokesman.