Could a common statin boost hormone therapy in advanced breast cancer?

NCT ID NCT02958852

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This completed Phase 2 trial tested whether adding atorvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) to standard hormone therapy (letrozole or fulvestrant) could improve outcomes in 126 women with advanced, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. The main goal was to see if the combination increased the number of patients whose cancer shrank or stayed stable for at least 24 weeks. Researchers also tracked how long it took for the cancer to progress. The study aims to find new ways to overcome resistance to hormone therapy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

atorvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) added to standard endocrine therapy (letrozole or fulvestrant)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to overcome resistance to hormone therapy in advanced breast cancer, potentially extending the time the disease is controlled.

What could go wrong

This is a small Phase 2 trial (126 participants) and results may not apply to all patients. Adding atorvastatin may not improve outcomes and could cause side effects like muscle pain or liver issues.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast carcinoma breast neoplasm hormone receptor-positive breast cancer Neoplastic Cells, Circulating

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Lund University Hospital, Department of Oncology

    Lund, 221 85, Sweden