Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the relationship between statin use and risk of ovarian cancer
Abstract
The link between lipid-stabilizing medications and epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis is incompletely understood. Statins may reduce ovarian cancer risk, but results are inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting associations between statin use and ovarian cancer risk in PubMed. Summary risk ratios (RRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Subgroup analyses by cancer histotype, statin class (lipo- or hydrophilic) and duration of statin use were conducted. Use of individual statins in populations was assessed to determine population-specific differences in statin types. Nine studies with 435,237 total women were included (1 randomized controlled trial (RCT); 4 prospective; 4 case–control). Statin use was associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.74–1.03) and risk was significantly reduced in populations with low pravastatin use (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.99). Risk estimates varied by statin class (3 studies; lipophilic: RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.69–1.12; hydrophilic: RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.72–1.57) and cancer histotype (3 studies; serous: RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.69–1.30; clear cell: RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.74–1.86). Long-term use was associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.54–1.10) that further reduced when pravastatin use was low (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.46–1.01). Between-study heterogeneity was high overall and in subgroups (I2 > 60%). Statins may be associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 435,237 participants or records.
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