Use of statins and risk of haematological malignancies: a meta-analysis of six randomized clinical trials and eight observational studies

AIMS: Statins have been suggested to prevent haematological malignancies. Several epidemiological studies have evaluated this association, while randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on cardiovascular outcomes have provided relevant data as secondary end-points. Our aim was to examine the strength of this association through a detailed meta-analysis of the studies published in peer-reviewed literature. METHODS: A comprehensive search for articles published up to December 2006 was performed, reviews of each study were conducted and data abstracted. Prior to meta-analysis, the studies were evaluated for publication bias and heterogeneity. Pooled relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random effects model. RESULTS: Fourteen studies (six RCTs, seven case-control and one cohort study) contributed to the analysis. Studies were grouped on the basis of study design, and two separate meta-analyses were conducted. There was no evidence of an association between statin use and haematological malignancies among either RCTs (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.72, 1.16) or the observational studies (RR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.53, 1.29). Similarly, we found no evidence of publication bias. However, high heterogeneity was detected among the observational studies. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis findings do not support a potential role of statins in the prevention of haematological malignancies.