Examining Bias in Studies of Statin Treatment and Survival in Patients With Cancer.

Worth reading to some I guess. Make sure you glance at the last paragraph : CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/288...

Of course what do I know?

[pjoshea13]

One thing I notice when I switch from 3-month castrate to 3-month high testosterone, is that my lipids switch from awful to excellent.

What induces a man to begin statin use after diagnosis? I advocate statin use regardless of LDL-C levels, but I doubt that many men with a "good" lipid profile do. I suspect that most men who started using statins after diagnosis, did so because of the detrimental effects of ADT.

If the study had taken into account that bias, it might have reached a different conclusion.

I was 2 years past diagnosis when I asked for Simvastatin. That was 12 years ago. But I'm just an anecdotal case. LOL

-Patrick

[Hidden in reply to pjoshea13]

Patrick - It has taken me two years to get a script for a statin and I fully intend to continue it's use. The VA gave me a daily 80MG pill (ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM 80MG TAB) and told me to start the first month by cutting it in half before going to the full dose.

Now If I can only find someone to prescribe me Metformin. Any ideas?

BTW, thanks for all you do, I'm a dedicated pupil.

[Neal-Snyder in reply to Hidden]

I knew my MO wouldn't prescribe Metformin so I asked my primary care physician. I emailed him a study that Patrick provided here. He prescribed it. I second your motion regarding Patrick! Good luck.

[Beermaker in reply to Neal-Snyder]

After reading about statins, cholesterol, and PCA (and looking at some of the studies referenced here) I asked my Uro about it. He refused me a prescription, but did say to talk to my PCP. My cholesterol had basically been very good since starting on SloNiacin for my Triglycerides. They had been climbing to a dangerous level, and my PCP put me on the SloNiacin to try and drop it. It dropped through the floor. This was well before I was diagnosed with PCA.

So the next appointment with my PCP, I asked about a statin. I explained that there were a number of studies that showed good results for PCa patients. I don't know what he was thinking when I made my entreaties, but as soon as I stopped he put me on 40mg of Simvastatin, saying that was the dosage he remembered from most of the studies. I think he was probably laughing inside when I asked.

So, If you want to get a statin script, put together a couple of printouts (I didn't need them) and talk with your PCP. Lately, right after starting Xtandi and having a non-fasting blood test, my blood sugar went through the roof. I brought it up with my Uro and Onc and they pooh poohed it saying it was not an issue with a non-fasting test. I mentioned Metformin, etc., and again they said talk to your PCP which I will do pretty soon after yet another blood test. That seems to be the standard procedure at least here in Pensacola.

Good luck with whatever you do, We are all here to support you.

Marshall

[Drcrunch in reply to Hidden]

Research Berberine. Seems equal to metformin, but safer.

[GeorgeGlass in reply to pjoshea13]

I think I read somewhere on this site recently that Crestor is as effective as simvastatin in extending life for those with adv PCx. Is that correct? I take the statin because I have genetic predisposition to heart disease. I've always eaten relatively healthy but since my PCx and CAD diagnosis four years ago I'm on a plant based diet and all that healthy protocol - Dr. Essylstein etc. I've always exercised but now with a greater emphasis on cardio exercise.

[Hidden]

I think it's time we put flowers in our hair and move to that commune in Italy.

BTW, thanks for all you do, I'm a dedicated pupil.

Of course what do i know?

[Neal-Snyder]

That's crazy! I wonder what their genetic secret is. Now I don't know what to think about statins, but I've been on them for decades & they've done what my wonderful PCP wanted them to. How come your blood vessels & those of the Italian commune members aren't clogged, Nal?

Again, I'll second nameless's motion. Both you & Patrick provide plenty of food for thought & interesting posts, Nal.

[j-o-h-n]

GARLIC, GARLIC AND MORE GARLIC....

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Thursday 01/25/2018 12:40 PM EST

[BigRich in reply to j-o-h-n]

Garlic is a blood thinner, and it spices up the pasta.

Rich

[j-o-h-n]

And a repellent to VAMPIRES... (I vant to suck your blood before it clots).

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Friday 01/26/2018 12:50 PM EST