Statins May be Beneficial for Lung Cancer

It appears that a medication used to lower cholesterol may have a beneficial effect on the lung function of smokers. Research presented at the meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians showed the benefit of Statins in reducing the progression of lung damage. Statins which have anti-inflammatory properties may have an effect on the inflammatory component of lungs diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is usually caused by chronic inflammation of the airways and the air sacs of the lungs known as alveoli. The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Spirometry is a common Pulmonary Function Test used to measure lung function. Forced Expiratory Volume or FEV is measured during such testing. FEV is the volume of air a person can exhale during a forced breath over one second. It is indicative of proper lung function. The study included 182 current smokers and 303 former smokers. Half in each group were given Statins. Smokers and ex-smokers who were taking Statins had an average decline of only 12 ml/year in their FEV, compared to those not taking Statins who, on average, had a decline in FEV of 88 ml/year. In patients with COPD, Statin use also decreased their emergency department visits and hospitalization by 35%. The beneficial effects of Statins remain unchanged regardless of type of lung disease and smoking habits. Although Statins may reduce the progression of lung damage, patients must still be urged to quit smoking. The study did not show any difference in lung cancer or death rates in those using statins. To corroborate these results further studies are recommended.