Statins Reduce Liver Cancer and Hepatic Decompensation Risk among patients with chronic liver disease: JAMA

Researchers have found in a new cohort study that the use of statins in patients with chronic liver disease was associated with a lower risk of liver cancer and hepatic decompensation.

Patients who used statins experienced a significant reduction in these risks compared to those who did not, with lipophilic statins and longer treatment duration providing even greater protective effects. Statins may help prevent hepatocellular carcinoma by slowing the progression of liver fibrosis, which is a key factor in the severity of liver disease.

This study examined the relationship between the use of statins and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation, with a focus on how statins influence the progression of liver fibrosis. Researchers analyzed patient data from the year 2000 to the year 2023, selecting adults who were 40 years or older with chronic liver disease and an elevated baseline Fibrosis-4 score, which is a measure of liver fibrosis.

Participants were categorized into those who used statins and those who did not, and their health outcomes were tracked over a ten-year period. Findings indicated that patients who used statins had a significantly lower incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation than those who did not use statins.

The protective effects were particularly pronounced among individuals who used lipophilic statins and those who had prolonged statin therapy. In addition to reducing the risks of liver cancer and hepatic decompensation, patients who used statins showed a slower progression of liver fibrosis and were more likely to improve their fibrosis risk category over time. Among patients with intermediate or high Fibrosis-4 scores at baseline, those who used statins were more likely to experience a regression in their fibrosis severity compared to those who did not use statins.

This suggests that statins may not only help prevent severe liver complications but also contribute to improved liver health over time. Overall, the study supports the potential role of statins in reducing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and slowing the progression of liver disease. These findings highlight the need for further research on incorporating statins into treatment strategies for patients with chronic liver disease.

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