A new study from Harvard Medical School has found that commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs—statins—may significantly lower the risk of liver cancer and serious liver complications in people with chronic liver disease (CLD).
The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, provides strong evidence that statin use, especially over longer periods, could be an effective way to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, as well as hepatic decompensation, a serious decline in liver function.
Researchers analyzed data from over 16,000 adults aged 40 and older who were diagnosed with chronic liver disease between 2000 and 2023.
These patients were part of the Mass General Brigham health system, and their health outcomes were tracked using a long-term clinical database. All participants had signs of liver fibrosis, measured using a score called FIB-4, which helps estimate liver scarring.
The participants were divided into two groups: those who used statins and those who didn’t. Researchers then followed these groups for up to 10 years to compare the rates of liver cancer, liver-related complications, and changes in liver fibrosis severity.
Key Findings:
- Liver Cancer (HCC): Statin users had a 3.8% risk of developing HCC within 10 years, compared to 8.0% in nonusers. That’s a 33% reduction in risk overall.
- Hepatic Decompensation: The risk of serious liver failure dropped from 19.5% in nonusers to 10.6% in those who used statins—a 22% reduction.
- Type of Statins: The benefits were stronger with lipophilic statins, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, which were linked to a 36% lower risk of liver cancer. In comparison, hydrophilic statins like rosuvastatin and pravastatin showed a 21% risk reduction.
- Duration Matters: Patients who took statins consistently—receiving at least 600 days of prescribed doses—saw even better results, including a 40% lower risk of liver cancer and a 36% lower risk of liver failure.
- Fibrosis Progression: Among a subgroup of over 7,000 patients who had repeated fibrosis tests, those on statins were more likely to either stay in a low-risk category or improve over time, while nonusers were more likely to worsen.
These findings suggest that statins may do more than just lower cholesterol. They also appear to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects in the liver, which may slow down or even reverse liver damage over time. The research backs earlier suggestions that statins could be repurposed as preventive treatments for liver disease-related complications.
Why This Matters
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, and chronic liver disease is a major risk factor. While past advances in treating hepatitis have lowered some liver cancer rates, other causes—such as fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver damage—are now on the rise.
As a result, new ways to prevent liver cancer are urgently needed, especially for people with chronic liver conditions.
Statins are already widely prescribed, well-studied, and generally safe for long-term use. This makes them promising candidates for broader use in liver disease prevention.
While some doctors have been cautious about prescribing statins to people with liver disease in the past, this study adds to growing evidence that statins are not only safe for these patients but may also help protect their livers.
Review and Analysis
This study provides compelling real-world evidence that statin use may significantly reduce the risk of both liver cancer and liver failure in people with chronic liver disease. The strength of the study lies in its large sample size, long follow-up period, and thorough analysis of different statin types and usage durations.
It’s important to note that this was an observational study, meaning it cannot prove cause and effect. However, the consistency of the results—especially the stronger benefits seen with longer-term statin use—makes the case for further clinical trials to confirm the findings.
For now, the study suggests that doctors treating patients with chronic liver disease should consider the potential protective benefits of statins, particularly lipophilic ones.
With more than 100 million Americans living with some form of liver disease, and many of them already at risk of heart disease (for which statins are commonly prescribed), this dual benefit could have a major public health impact.
If you care about liver health, please read studies that refined fiber is link to liver cancer, and the best and worst foods for liver health.
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The research findings can be found in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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