The antitumoral effect of statins in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a scoping review
Abstract
Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive and invasive malignancies, with limited response to the currently available systemic therapy options. Having a 5-year survival of 12%, there is a serious need for novel therapeutic options, including drug repurposing for the treatment of PDAC. In recent years, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors, also known as statins, have been identified as potential candidates for PDAC therapy repurposing.
Methods: We have performed a scoping literature review to summarize the extent of knowledge on statins' effects on PDAC, both in clinical studies and preclinical models, and to explain the mechanisms underlying statins' antiproliferative effect on PDAC. We have followed the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We have searched PubMed and Web of Science for original articles published between January 2021 and January 2026.
Results: Our review systematically linked the clinical outcomes, molecular mechanism, and tumor microenvironment in PDAC-statin research. Clinical studies of the correlation between statin treatment and PDAC incidence yielded mixed results. Among the mechanisms we have summarized are disruption of the plasma membrane lipid rafts, reduction of protein prenylation, increase of the tumor immunogenicity, reduction of signaling, both RAS-mediated and by alternative pathways, and disruption of mitochondrial respiration. Statins also…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, 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.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity: The SURMOUNT-4 Randomized Clinical Trial
- Clinical Trial of Vadadustat in Patients with Anemia Secondary to Stage 3 or 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
- Human Leukocyte Antigen Complex and Other Immunogenetic and Clinical Factors Influence Susceptibility or Protection to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Severity of the Disease Course. The Sardinian Experience
- Celecoxib or naproxen treatment does not benefit depressive symptoms in persons aged 70 and over: findings from a randomized controlled trial
- Comparative Clinical Effectiveness of Nonsurgical Treatment Methods in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- Efficacy and safety of adalimumab by intra-articular injection for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis: An open-label randomized controlled trial
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.