A study led by Mass General Cancer Center found that statins may block a pathway linked to cancer development from chronic inflammation. Environmental toxins activate signaling pathways that lead to inflammation in the skin and pancreas, contributing to cancer development. Pitavastatin, a statin, effectively suppresses inflammation and prevents cancer development in mice and human tissue samples. Use of pitavastatin was associated with reduced risk of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in a large population study. The findings suggest that blocking IL-33 production with pitavastatin could be a safe way to prevent cancer in chronic inflammation. Further research will explore statins’ impact in preventing cancer development in other tissues.
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Statins may block an inflammation pathway involved in the development of cancer
