The use of statins may prolong survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients

7149 Background: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most common morbidities in United States. Statins have been proven as effective cholesterol-lowering agents and have been widely used in this country. They have been reported reducing the incidence and risk of various cancer types. However, the impact of using statins on the survival of patients with diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer is unknown. Methods: Ongoing retrospective study involves a cohort of 1,233 patients with diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer. Patients were identified from the Tumor Registry at Henry Ford Health System between January 1999 and December 2004. To date, the electronic medical records from 407 of the 1,233 cases were reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed and stratified for statin users versus non statin users. Results: Data from 407 patients were included in this analysis. There were 109 patients with hypercholesterolemia, 54 of them were statin users at the time of their non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis. Average age was 70 (range 46–85) years for statin users and 65 (range 29–93) years for non statin users. Median survival of 407 subjects was 9.82 months. After stratifying for statin use, the median survival of statin users was 12.38 months while the median survival of non statin users was 9.75 months, with a p value of 0.012. Conclusion: Though small sample size, this study is the first time ever suggesting a possible survival benefit of statin use in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have received their standard anti-tumor regimens. Other variables that may contribute to this result will be further clarified and discussed after completing the data collection and analysis of this entire cohort. Based on our preliminary result, a prospective study of co-morbidity management with statins in patients with non-small cell lung cancer is warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.