Statins may reduce disease recurrence in patients with ulcerated primary melanoma

Source: MDLinx, December 2020

This study was undertaken to determine if long?term statin use commenced before the diagnosis of a primary melanoma is correlated with decreased risk of melanoma recurrence. A cohort of patients newly diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 with localized tumour?stage T1b to T4b melanoma in Queensland, Australia, were prospectively followed. Among 700 patients diagnosed with stage T1b to T4b primary melanoma (mean age 62 years, 59% male, 28% with ulcerated tumours), 94 patients (13%) developed recurrence of melanoma within 2 years. Statins taken prior to the diagnosis of melanoma may decrease the risk of recurrence of melanoma, particularly in men and in those with ulcerated tumours. Clinical trial assessment of the possible role of statins is warranted in enhancing the prognosis of high-risk melanoma.