Statins and risk of breast cancer recurrence.

e13044Background: The primary endpoint of our study was to test whether the concurrent use of a statin is related to a lower risk of recurrence and increased relapse-free survival in patients with early breast cancer. Methods: We reviewed 610 female patients with breast cancer of stage 1, 2 or 3 that had been surgically treated and received adjuvant chemotherapy in order to prevent recurrence. Results: Among patients with breast cancer, 83 patients (13,6%) were receiving a statin on a chronic basis, for other medical purposes. Overall, statin users displayed a lower risk of recurrence (HR, 0,58; 95% CI, 0,36 to 0,94; p = 0,028). This observation was particularly evident in the younger age group (HR, 0,34; 95% CI, 0,14 to 0,79; p = 0,004). A marginal association was also noted in the hormone receptor positive subgroup (HR, 0,42; 95% CI, 0,18 to 0,98; p = 0,024). Conclusions: Statins are linked to a favorable outcome in early breast cancer patients, especially in the younger age group.