Statins Protect Against Acute RT-related Rectal Toxicity in Patients with Prostate Cancer: An Observational Prospective Study.

AIM To analyze risk factors for acute rectal toxicity during hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 195 patients received 74.25 Gy in 33 fractions to the prostate and, if involved, to the seminal vescicles (SV). When the risk of SV involvement was >15% according to the Roach's formula, they received 62 Gy in 33 fractions. Overall, 107/195 patients (54.87%) received hormonal therapy (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue, anti-androgen, or both). Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 was used to classify rectal toxicity. RESULTS Acute rectal toxicity occurred in 79 (40.51%) patients (grade 1 in 44). In univariate analysis, use of calcium channel blockers significantly reduced the acute rectal toxicity rate and 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) significantly reduced the rectal toxicity rate and grade. In multivariate analysis, only statin use was an independent protective factor. CONCLUSION In patients with prostate cancer treated with a moderate hypofractionated IMRT schedule, use of statins lowered the incidence and grade of acute rectal toxicity.