Statins and Cancer: A Complex Relationship Worth Exploring

Correlation between dyslipidaemia and gastric cancer: pathogenesis to prevention and treatment strategies

As the sixth most common cancer in the world, the development of gastric cancer (GC) is influenced by many factors. Recent studies have revealed a strong association between dyslipidaemia and GC. In this paper, the relationships between dyslipidaemia and GC are discussed in depth. We review the development of GC through the mechanisms of the inflammatory response, signalling pathways, and apolipoprotein function, and the intersecting targets of atherosclerosis and GC are explored. The synergistic effects of Helicobacter pylori infection and dyslipidaemia on the development of GC are also analysed, and the potential value of statins in the prevention and treatment of GC is discussed. In this review, we systematically investigated the relationship between dyslipidaemia and GC to provide new ideas for GC prevention and treatment.

The role of statins in the regulation of breast and colorectal cancer and future directions

Statins, widely recognized as a cornerstone in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, have garnered increasing attention in oncology due to their pleiotropic effects, particularly their potential roles in regulating breast and colorectal cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that statins may exert anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, the LKB1-AMPK-p38MAPK-p53-survivin signaling cascade, inhibition of the mevalonate pathway, modulation of the EGFR/RhoA and IGF-1 signaling pathways, and regulation of the BMP/SMAD4 signaling pathway. However, significant heterogeneity exists in the reported anticancer effects of statins, likely due to variations in statin type (lipophilic vs hydrophilic), dosage, treatment duration, and population-specific characteristics. These factors contribute to inconsistencies in study outcomes. Additionally, while combination therapies incorporating statins with chemotherapy and immunotherapy have demonstrated synergistic effects in certain studies, their clinical utility remains to be fully established. Nevertheless, current evidence suggests that statins may have a potential role in reducing breast and colorectal cancer-related mortality. Future research should prioritize elucidating their precise molecular mechanisms, defining dose-response relationships, developing personalized treatment strategies within the framework of precision medicine, and validating their efficacy through large-scale, long-term prospective studies. These efforts will provide a more robust scientific foundation for the clinical application of statins in oncology. This review systematically explores the role of statins in breast and colorectal cancer regulation, covering clinical evidence, underlying biological mechanisms, pharmacological distinctions, synergistic therapeutic potential, and translational medicine prospects.

Modulating NPC1L1 to Potentiate PARP Inhibitor-Induced Ferroptosis and Immune Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Background/Objectives: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown significant efficacy in treating BRCA-mutated cancers; however, a significant proportion of patients fail to respond. Emerging evidence highlights the role of PARP in lipid metabolism, suggest-ing its modulation as a novel strategy to regulate tumor progression. Methods: In this study, lipidomics and transcriptomics analyses were conducted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying PARP inhibitor-induced ferroptosis and immune modulation in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Results: We demonstrated that the PARP inhibitor Niraparib significantly reprograms lipid metabolism in TNBC cells, marked by elevated phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and cholesterol ester (ChE) levels. This metabolic shift was mechanistically linked to upregulation of the cholesterol transporter NPC1L1 via the PARP1-RELA-NPC1L1 signaling axis, which subsequently activated the AKT pathway. Combinatorial treatment with Niraparib and either Ezetimibe (an NPC1L1 inhibitor) or AZD5363 (an AKT inhibitor) synergistically enhanced TNBC cell death by promoting ferroptosis through glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, NPC1L1 inhibition amplified PARP inhibitor-induced immune responses, increasing CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxicity in tumors. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings establish NPC1L1 as a critical mediator of PARP inhibitor efficacy and propose dual targeting of lipid metabolism, providing a new therapeutic approach for the combination treatment of TNBC.

Statins-Beyond Their Use in Hypercholesterolemia: Focus on the Pediatric Population

Statins are a class of medications primarily used in adults to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, the use of statins in children is generally limited and carefully considered despite the well-documented anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects, as well as their effect on cell signaling pathways. These multifaceted effects, known as pleiotropic effects, encompass enhancements in endothelial function, a significant reduction in oxidative stress, the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, immunomodulation, the inhibition of vascular smooth muscle proliferation, an influence on bone metabolism, anti-inflammatory properties, antithrombotic effects, and a diminished risk of dementia. In children, recent research revealed promising perspectives on the use of statins in various conditions including neurological, cardiovascular, and oncologic diseases, as well as special situations, such as transplanted children. The long-term safety and efficacy of statins in children are still subjects of ongoing research, and healthcare providers carefully assess the individual risk factors and benefits before prescribing these medications to pediatric patients. The use of statins in children is generally less common than in adults, and it requires close monitoring and supervision by healthcare professionals. Further research is needed to fully assess the pleiotropic effects of statins in the pediatric population.