Researchers explain how statins may fight breast cancer

A prescription to buy Lipitor may do more than simply lower a person's cholesterol. New research suggests that it may also reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

Scientists from Columbia University said that observational studies have shown that some patients taking cholesterol-lowering drugs appear to be protected from certain types of cancer. However, it was less clear what accounted for this benefit.

To investigate how statin medications may affect cancer risk, the researchers examined the activity of a gene called p53. This gene is known to regulate the growth of cells. Variations of it can cause unchecked cell proliferation, which may lead to the growth of tumors.

The study showed that changes in the activity of the gene that lead to cancer growth occur along a cholesterol-building pathway, which happens to be the same pathway targeted by statins. It may be that statins regulate this function, preventing abnormal cell growth.

As the study was conducted in breast tissue rather than actual human test subjects, the researchers said it is too early to recommend that women at risk for breast cancer seek a prescription to buy Lipitor. Still, they said their findings warrant further investigation.