The evolving role of statins in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the sole curative modality for a variety of malignant and benign hematological disorders. Despite advances in supportive care and transplant conditioning regimens graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infectious complications and end organ toxicity remain the leading causes of transplant related mortality (TRM). Development of safe and effective strategies to mitigate these significant complications associated with HSCT, are urgently needed. Statins are lipid lowering drugs, which reduce cholesterol production by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, with a well defined toxicity profile. Statins have pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects which are relevant in the context of treating and preventing GVHD. In addition to GVHD statins may possess several other effects that might have clinical benefit in the setting of hematopoietic cell transplantation, such as treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans and antineoplastic activity. Herein we review the emerging role of statins in improving the outcomes of patients undergoing HSCT.