Could cholesterol drugs also protect against liver cancer? A new study reveals surprising results for a specific class of these treatments.
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, a category of non-statin drugs, have been associated with a 31% reduction in the risk of liver cancer. This discovery, published in
CANCER, aligns with the benefits already observed with statins. Other non-statin drugs showed no significant effect.
The study relied on medical records of 3,719 liver cancer patients and 14,876 controls from the UK's CPRD database. Researchers analyzed the impact of five drug classes on the risk of developing this disease, which is the sixth leading cause of cancer worldwide.
Statins, already known for their role in preventing liver cancer, confirmed their effectiveness with a 35% risk reduction. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors showed similar results, unlike fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin.
Bile acid sequestrants yielded conflicting results, requiring further research to clarify their role. The research team, led by Katherine A. McGlynn, emphasizes the importance of replicating these findings in other populations.
This study opens new perspectives for liver cancer prevention, particularly for high-risk patients. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors could become an additional tool in the fight against this serious disease.
Researchers urge caution, noting that these results need to be confirmed by other studies. They hope their work can guide future research on liver cancer prevention.
How do cholesterol absorption inhibitors work?
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors block the entry of dietary cholesterol into the bloodstream at the intestinal level. This reduces the amount of cholesterol circulating in the body, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
These drugs specifically target a protein called NPC1L1, essential for cholesterol absorption. By inhibiting this protein, they allow for more effective control of blood cholesterol levels.
Unlike statins, which primarily act on cholesterol production in the liver, absorption inhibitors offer a complementary approach. Their distinct mechanism of action might explain their effectiveness in preventing liver cancer.
Why is liver cancer so difficult to prevent?
Liver cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, limiting treatment options. Its prevention is complicated by the diversity of risk factors, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, and metabolic diseases.
Statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors might work by reducing inflammation and liver fibrosis, two key processes in cancer development. However, the exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
Preventing liver cancer requires a multifactorial approach, combining hepatitis B vaccination, reduced alcohol consumption, and management of metabolic diseases. Cholesterol drugs could be added to this list.