The association between inflammatory biomarkers and statin use among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head Neck. 2022 Jun;44(6):1393-1403. doi: 10.1002/hed.27040. Epub 2022 Mar 25.

Abstract

Background: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and cytokines are associated with prognosis among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) may improve HNSCC prognosis, particularly in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cases, but the mechanism remains unclear.

Methods: Statin use was collected from medical records for HNSCC cases (2008-2014). TILs were counted in tumor tissue, and a total weighted score (TILws) was created. Cytokines were measured in blood. The associations between statins and biomarkers were estimated using logistic (biomarker categories: <median, ≥median) and linear regression models (log-transformed continuous biomarkers) adjusted for age, smoking, and comorbidities.

Results: We observed a positive association between statins and TILs among HPV-positive patients (TILws odds ratio [OR] = 2.80; 95% CI = 1.03-7.61), but no association among HPV-negative patients. We observed no association between statins and cytokines.

Conclusions: Statins may influence TILs in HPV-positive patients. This may be the mechanism through which they improve prognosis in HPV-positive HNSCC patients.

Keywords: HPV; biomarkers; epidemiology; head and neck cancer; inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cytokines
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / complications
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / complications
  • Prognosis
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / complications

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cytokines
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors