Current research suggests that lowering cholesterol levels may prevent the growth of prostate tumors, and a related article by Solomon et al. in the March 2009 issue of The American Journal of Pathology states that “Ezetimibe is a blocker of tumor angiogenesis. Not only does high cholesterol contribute to atherosclerosis and heart disease, but it is also associated with the growth and progression of tumors. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the United States, with one in six men suffering from prostate cancer. Prostate tumors accumulate high levels of cholesterol, and tumor incidence is associated with a high-fat/high-cholesterol “Western-style” diet. In addition, prostate tumor progression is associated with serum cholesterol levels. To examine the role of high cholesterol in prostate cancer, Dr. Keith Solomon and colleagues raised rats on a high-fat/high-cholesterol “Western” diet. They found that high cholesterol promoted tumor growth, while Ezetimibe blocked intestinal absorption of cholesterol, preventing tumor growth. These data suggest that lowering cholesterol levels may prevent prostate cancer growth, particularly by preventing tumor angiogenesis. Solomon et al. state in their article that “lowering human cholesterol, which is routinely accomplished through pharmacological effects, may reduce angiogenesis, ultimately leading to a reduction in invasive tumors.” ”Lowering cholesterol levels, whether through diet, exercise, or the use of safe cholesterol-lowering drugs, is of great benefit to patients. Among the future benefits will be a reduced risk of developing serious prostate cancer,” Solomon said. ”We’re working with clinicians to apply the findings to human studies. If our studies in human patients have similar effects to preclinical studies, we may save lives and improve quality of life”, said Dr. Michael Freeman, senior investigator of this study.