The antitumoral effect of statins in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a scoping review

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Introduction Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive and invasive malignancies, with limited response to the currently available systemic therapy options. Having a 5-year survival of 12%, there is a serious need for novel therapeutic options, including drug repurposing for the treatment of PDAC. In recent years, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors, also known as statins, have been identified as potential candidates for PDAC therapy repurposing. Methods We have performed a scoping literature review to summarize the extent of knowledge on statins' effects on PDAC, both in clinical studies and preclinical models, and to explain the mechanisms underlying statins' antiproliferative effect on PDAC. We have followed the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We have searched PubMed and Web of Science for original articles published between January 2021 and January 2026. Results Our review systematically linked the clinical outcomes, molecular mechanism, and tumor microenvironment in PDAC-statin research. Clinical studies of the correlation between statin treatment and PDAC incidence yielded mixed results. Among the mechanisms we have summarized are disruption of the plasma membrane lipid rafts, reduction of protein prenylation, increase of the tumor immunogenicity, reduction of signaling, both RAS

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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