**3.6 The mevalonate pathway in LC can be potentially targeted with HMG-CoA inhibitors**

Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications to reduce cholesterol and inflammation through blocking 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase [130]. Inhibiting the mevalonate pathway can have a protective effect against cancer progression and reduce LC activity [131, 132]. Furthermore, the mevalonate pathway has been shown to be significantly activated in *TP53* mutated cells [133]. Therapeutic effects of statins in OC are further supported by the *in vitro* studies showing anti-metastatic and anti-tumorigenic effects through the inhibition of MAPK and mTOR pathways [134]. Lovastatin significantly reduced the development of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas, the purported precursor ovarian cancer lesions, in mice through the inhibition of the mevalonate pathway and dysregulation of the Rho signalling pathway [135]. Currently, a phase III clinical study for evaluating the safety, tolerability and effects on tumour progression of Atorvastatin is at the recruitment stage for ovarian and pancreatic cancer patients (NCT 02201381).
