Is there a shift from cardiovascular to cancer death in lipid-lowering trials? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lucy Bolt1,2, Alexandre Speierer1,2, Sylvain Bétrisey1,2
1Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Plos One
|February 8, 2024
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) does not increase cancer mortality overall. However, in trials with older adults (≥75 years), a potential shift from cardiovascular to cancer deaths was observed, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Oncology
- Clinical Trials Methodology
Background:
- Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) is established for reducing cardiovascular (CV) events.
- Conflicting data exist regarding LLT's impact on all-cause mortality, particularly in older populations.
- Some randomized clinical trials (RCTs) suggest a potential increase in cancer mortality with LLT.
Conclusions:
- LLT does not appear to cause a shift from cardiovascular to cancer mortality overall.
- A potential pattern of increased cancer deaths may exist in trials involving a higher proportion of older adults (≥75 years).
- Public accessibility of individual participant data from LLT trials is recommended for further in-depth investigation.
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