Statins: emerging role in chemoprevention for hepatocellular carcinoma?

Statins have well established efficacy in reducing morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease in both the primary and secondary setting (1,2). This is almost certainly achieved by reduction in plasma LDL levels and other purported circulatory/anti-atherosclerotic effects (3). Beyond its therapeutic value in cardiovascular disorders, there is now emerging interest in developing statins as an anti-cancer agent. Inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase by statins impede the rate-limiting step of mevalonate pathway leading to reduced levels of mevalonate and its downstream products which are important in cellular homeostasis, cell signalling, protein synthesis and cell cycle progression.