Statin Use as a Potential Survival Factor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are the most common malignancies in the head and neck region, with risk factors including tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Statins, widely prescribed for cardiovascular disease due to their cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects, have shown potential anticancer properties. Recent studies suggest a possible association between statin use and improved survival in HNSCC. To evaluate this potential benefit, a meta-analysis was conducted. Studies included were cohort or case-control designs reporting all-cause or cancer-specific mortality in statin users with HNSCC. Three studies (total n = 4,674) met the inclusion criteria. A fixed-effects model revealed a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of 0.744 (95% CI: 0.699–0.827) for overall survival and 0.745 (95% CI: 0.63–0.881) for disease-specific survival, indicating a significant reduction in mortality risk among statin users. One study showed the greatest benefit in patients who used statins both before and after diagnosis. These findings support a potential survival advantage of statin use in HNSCC patients, warranting further investigation through prospective trials to clarify mechanisms and optimal timing of administration.