Statin found to be synergistic w herceptin (makes it more effective) incl in 2 her2+

[Lani]

breast cancer cell lines, one ER- and one ER+ (Skbr3 and BT 474 respectively)

Abstract:

Fluvastatin enhancement of trastuzumab and classical cytotoxic agents in defined breast cancer cell lines in vitro [Breast Cancer Research and Treatment]
The combination of anticancer drugs used in the clinic has been based upon empiricism, and the potential permutations of currently available drugs overwhelm the clinical trials system. Recently, investigators have suggested that the combination of a blockade of vital signal transduction pathways in combination with more standard therapy might enhance anticancer effect. Using a panel of breast cancer cell lines and isobologram median effect analysis, a method of determining synergism or antagonism of drugs, we have investigated in vitro potentially clinically useful combinations of agents with the human cell lines MCF7/wt, MCF7/adr, BT474, and SK-BR-3 grown in log phase. Results: were confirmed by curve shift analysis. Cells were exposed to the agent(s) for 72 h and then analyzed for cytotoxicity using a MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay. Fluvastatin, an inhibitor of prenylation with excellent tolerability in man, was chosen to disrupt signal transduction pathways and thus potentially enhance the effect of more traditional anticancer agents. Anticancer agents tested were cytotoxics used in the treatment of breast cancer, trastuzumab, and rapamycin as an inhibitor of the AKT pathway. Fluvastatin combined with trastuzumab demonstrates global synergy of cytotoxic effect that is confirmed by apoptosis assay. These effects could only be partially reversed by adding farnesol or geranylgeraniol to restore prenylation. Epirubicin is also synergistic with fluvastatin in three of the four cell lines. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of MTOR, was synergistic with fluvastatin in two of the four cell lines and antagonistic in two other cell lines. The combination of fluvastatin or another inhibitor of prenylation and trastuzumab may be attractive for clinical development as the effect of trastuzumab in Her2/neu positive breast tumors is incomplete as a single agent.

[Donna]

Hi Lani,

My primarcy care physician just told me my cholesterol is out of control, but she didn't want to prescribe anything in view of all the toxic things I am already taking. But I am just on herceptin now (assuming my LVEF goes back up) and so this looks like a viable option, if not an enhancement to my present treatment.

I wonder if I don't go back on herceptin because of the LVEF issue if this med would be helpful without herceptin?

Have a great day!

Donna

[TSund]

Lani,

Did the study differentiate between women that started with high cholesterol vs low? (also wondering if there is any link between high cholesterol and bc)

Terri

[juanita]

Somebody please explain this to me. Just don't get this one. I had to quit the statin I was taking for my cholesterol because I was having such severe hot flushes where I turned red all over at any time of the day.