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HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors as adjuvant treatment for hematologic malignancies: what is the current evidence?

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Abstract

Statins have been shown to possess properties that go beyond their lipid-lowering effects. These agents act on the mevalonate pathway and inhibit synthesis of cholesterol, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, and farnesyl pyrophosphate, which are necessary for posttranslational modification of the Rho, Rac, and Ras superfamily of proteins. Early phase studies have demonstrated that this modulation of cellular signaling can ultimately exert pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory effects, and might even restore chemosensitivity in several hematologic cancers. Nonetheless, these promising preclinical results have not yet migrated from the bench to the bedside as their effectiveness as adjuvant agents in hematologic malignancies is currently uncertain. In the present review, we summarize the existing evidence stemming from preclinical and clinical studies pertaining to the use of statins as adjuvant therapies in hematologic malignancies, and discuss the new insights gained from the ongoing translational research.

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We certify that we do not have any affiliation with or financial involvement in any organization or entity with a direct financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. We do not have any commercial or proprietary interest in any drug, device, or equipment mentioned in the article below. No financial support was used for this work.

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  1. Division of Hematology and Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center—Harvard School of Medicine, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Bruno Bockorny

  2. Department of Hematology-Oncology, Lucy Curci Cancer Center Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, CA, USA

    Constantin A. Dasanu

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Bockorny, B., Dasanu, C.A. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors as adjuvant treatment for hematologic malignancies: what is the current evidence?. Ann Hematol 94, 1–12 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-014-2236-4

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