(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Cholesterol-lowering statins may protect patients from prostate cancer, too.

Studies have shown statin users have a lower incidence of advanced prostate cancer, but the mechanism was unknown. In a new study, researchers found the drugs’ anti-inflammatory effects could be at work.

"We looked at tumor samples and found that men who were on statins had a 72 percent reduction in risk for tumor inflammation, and we believe this might play a role in the connection between prostate cancer and statin use," Lionel Bañez, M.D., a researcher in the Duke Prostate Center, was quoted as saying.

Researchers note that while this study is promising, more research must be done before a recommendation is made for men to take statins as a means to better prostate health.

SOURCE: Presented at the American Urological Association's annual meeting in Chicago, April 26, 2009