what they said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

At any given moment, numerous researchers around the world are conducting scientific studies probing how prostate cancer develops, what causes it or how the disease can be treated.

Now, a growing number of experts in the scientific community are pushing for some of those studies to examine a potentially important link between prostate cancer and cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins. A new study by Canadian researchers, published in the September issue of the journal European Urology, is adding to those calls...

The original article can be found at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/statins-may-help-treat-prostate-cancer/article1715479/

how did it rate? (more information)

what we said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

This story does something that few do: first, it comments on the quality of the study, and second, it mentions the healthy user effect (the possibility that the statin users were healthier to start with, which is likely).

That being said, the fact that the "convincing" evidence came from a large retrospective trial of mice who had received human prostate cells should not have any men (worried for their prostates) jumping for a prescription of statins. The story misses some key points including quantified risks/harms, as well as potential conflicts of interests for the featured spokespeople. In addition, the benefits mentioned in the story are only reported as relative numbers.

If statins do play a role in inhibiting prostate cancer growth, we need, as the radiation oncologist says, a large randomized trial to prove it. The two studies mentioned here generated preliminary results that should not get anyone too excited.

public forum

voice your opinion in the forum

• All comments and feedback submitted to Media Doctor are subject to editorial approval before being made viewable by the public. It may take up to a week for your comments to be approved. Additionally, no response will be given to questions posed in public comments. Media Doctor does not provide medical advice, or answers to medical questions posed by the public.
• If you provide your email address it will not be displayed to the general public.
• Comments may be edited by Media Doctor to remove defamatory or sensitive statements, and brand names.
• Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).