Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
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A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
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Does Statin or ASA Affect Survival When Prostate Cancer Is Treated with External Beam Radiation Therapy?
J Caon1, M Paquette2, J Hamm3
1BC Cancer Agency Radiation Therapy Program, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Centre, 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4E6.
Prostate Cancer
|April 15, 2014
Summary
Neither statins nor aspirin improved prostate cancer survival in men treated with radiation therapy, even after accounting for comorbidity. Increased comorbidity negatively impacted survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Conflicting results exist regarding statin and aspirin effects on prostate cancer survival.
- Previous studies often failed to adjust for patient comorbidity.
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a common prostate cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of statins and aspirin on prostate cancer survival.
- To adjust for comorbidity in men treated with EBRT for prostate cancer.
- To clarify the role of these medications in cancer outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 3851 prostate cancer patients treated with EBRT ± androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) from 2000-2007.
- Analysis included stage, treatment details, medication use (statins, aspirin), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores.
- Multivariate competing risks analysis was employed.
Main Results:
- Median follow-up was 8.4 years; mean age was 70.3 years.
- Statin use: 23%, Aspirin (ASA) use: 24%.
- Neither statin nor ASA use showed a significant impact on prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Statin and aspirin use did not significantly impact PCSS in men treated with EBRT.
- Increased comorbidity was a significant factor affecting survival.
- Further research may be needed to understand medication effects in specific patient subgroups.
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