Statins for Attenuating Cardiotoxicity in Patients Receiving Anthracyclines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Curr Probl Cardiol. 2023 Oct;48(10):101885. doi: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101885. Epub 2023 Jun 17.

Abstract

Anthracycline chemotherapy causes cardiotoxicity, and the evidence regarding the benefit of concomitant statin use in reducing it remains uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies using statins and anthracyclines by searching PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until April 10, 2023. Our analysis included 3 observational studies and 4 RCTs, including the STOP-CA trial released in ACC23. Statin prescription significantly reduced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy (OR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33-0.63; I2: 0%). However, no significant difference was observed in the decline of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline (MD 4.15, 95% CI: -0.69 to 8.99, I2: 97%). These findings demonstrate the protective effect of concomitant statin prescription.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anthracyclines / adverse effects
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Cardiotoxicity / etiology
  • Cardiotoxicity / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ventricular Function, Left

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Anthracyclines
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic