From the Guidelines
There is no established direct causal relationship between hyperlipidemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). While some studies have explored potential associations between metabolic disorders and cancer risk, hyperlipidemia is not considered a direct cause of NHL, as supported by the NCCN guidelines 1. NHL primarily develops due to genetic mutations in lymphocytes, immune system dysfunction, certain viral infections (like Epstein-Barr virus or HIV), exposure to specific chemicals, or immunosuppression. Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated blood lipid levels, primarily increases risk for cardiovascular diseases rather than lymphomas. However, both conditions share some risk factors such as obesity and poor dietary habits.
Some key points to consider include:
- The incidence of NHL has increased dramatically between 1970 and 1995, but has moderated since the mid-1990s, with this increase attributed partly to the HIV epidemic and the development of AIDS-related NHL 1.
- Patients with NHL may also have significant comorbid conditions, which can complicate treatment options, highlighting the importance of managing comorbidities such as hyperlipidemia.
- Patients with hyperlipidemia should focus on managing their condition through lipid-lowering medications (statins, fibrates, or PCSK9 inhibitors), dietary modifications, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risk, rather than worrying about NHL development. Regular medical check-ups remain important for both conditions, but treating hyperlipidemia should not be considered a preventive measure for NHL, as the primary cause of NHL is not related to hyperlipidemia 1.
From the Research
Hyperlipidemia and NHL
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that hyperlipidemia causes Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) 2.
- Statin use has been associated with reduced mortality from several cancers, but its effect on NHL is not well established 2.
- A study of 16,098 patients with NHL or chronic lymphocytic leukemia found that statin use was not consistently associated with any mortality outcome in patients with NHL 2.
Statin Use and NHL
- Statin use was not associated with improved lymphoma survival, but appears safe to use during lymphoma treatment 2.
- For actively treated patients with follicular lymphoma, statin use did not appear to increase lymphoma-specific mortality 2.
- The relationship between statin use and NHL is complex and requires further study 2.
Hyperlipidemia Treatment
- Hyperlipidemia is a prevalent condition and a significant contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) 3, 4.
- Statins are the first-line lipid-lowering agents for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with hypercholesterolemia 3, 4.
- Non-statin therapies, such as ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, are increasingly prescribed for patients with statin resistance or intolerance 3, 4, 5.