Abstract
BackgroundStatins (HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors) are suggested to act as a predisposing factor for autoimmune diseases, have immunomodulatory effects, and possibly prevent some cancer types – the sum of these effects is unknown in cancers of viral aetiology, such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Aim of our study was to find out whether statin users in Finland have an increased incidence of MCC. Patients and methodsA cohort of 224715 male and 230220 female statin users during 1994–2007 was identified from the Prescription Register of the National Social Insurance Institution. This cohort was followed up through the Finnish Cancer Registry for MCC up to 2009. ResultsThere were altogether 50 cases of MCCs, while the expected number of cases, calculated on the basis of the MCC incidence in comparable Finnish population, was 39.9 (SIR 1.25, 95% CI 0.93–1.65). The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for MCC in ages <60 years was 3.16 (95% CI 0.65–9.23), in ages 60–74 years 1.94 (95% CI 1.23–2.90) and in ages ≥75 years 0.89 (95% CI 0.57–1.31). The relative risk of MCC decreased significantly, 0.79 fold (95% CI 0.67–0.92), at each 5 year step when moving towards older age groups. There was no significant variation in SIR related to years since starting the statin use, or between the genders. ConclusionsMCC is the first neuroendocrine cancer linked to statin use. The association is statistically significant and biologically plausible through immunomodulatory effects of statins. The excess of MCCs was observed in atypically young patients, a similar phenomenon as noted earlier in patients with immunocompromising states.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.