The efficacy of atorvastatin on inflammation and coagulation markers in high-risk thrombotic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent complication associated with malignancy. Clinical use of thromboprophylaxis is recommended, however its usage is limited due to bleeding complications, more cost associated, and reluctance to receive anticoagulant injections. Rivaroxaban a relatively easy to administer anticoagulant but it has a risk of bleeding and is expensive. Inflammation is the important factor in pathogenesis of cancer-associated thrombosis. Statins have the anti-inflammatory property that could decrease proinflammatory cytokines. Consequently, statins may be used as thromboprophylaxis for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To provide comparison between atorvastatin and rivaroxaban on affecting inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin 6 [IL-6], C reactive protein [CRP]) and coagulation activation biomarkers (Tissue Factor [TF], prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 [F1 + 2], D-Dimer) in cancer patients at high risk of thrombosis receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: A randomized controlled study that was double-blinded and involved high-risk cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. For up to ninety days, participants were randomized to receiver either atorvastatin 20 mg or rivaroxaban 10 mg daily. The level of plasma of IL-6, CRP, TF, F1 + 2, and D-dimer were assessed 24 h before chemotherapy, 30, 60, and 90 day after chemotherapy. The latest observation carried forward (LOCF) approach was used to examine the data. The laboratory results were evaluated using an independent T test or Mann-Whitney U test prior to and after chemotherapy. RESULTS: Eighty-six randomized patients were enrolled, although both groups showed a decreasing trend in plasma level of IL-6, CRP, TF, F1 + 2, and D-dimer, there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the atorvastatin group, there was a significant correlation between delta level of IL-6 and F1 + 2 (r = 0.313, p = 0.043) and delta level of CRP and F1 + 2 (r = 0.398, p = 0.009), whereas in the rivaroxaban group there was a significant correlation between delta CRP and D-dimer level (r = 0.387, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin decreases IL-6 and CRP level, which also decreases F1 + 2 level. Atorvastatin did not substantially differ from rivaroxaban in decreasing plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers IL-6, CRP, and coagulation activation biomarkers TF, F1 + 2, D-dimer in high-risk cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN71891829, Registration Date: 17/12/2020.