Multiple sclerosis patients may have a greater risk of cancer, says study

Patients with MS may have a higher risk of developing certain cancers, according to new research. Image: iStock/sturti via AFP Relaxnews

New European research has found that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have a higher risk of cancer compared to those without the disease.

Led by researchers at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, Norway, the new long-term study followed 6,883 Norwegian MS patients born between 1930 and 1979 for up to 65 years, as well as including data from 8,918 siblings without MS, and 37,919 non-MS individuals.

The findings, which were presented on Sunday, June 30, at the fifth European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress in Oslo, showed that MS patients appeared to have a 14% increased overall risk of developing cancer than the general population.

Moreover, they also appeared to have an especially high risk of cancer in respiratory organs (66% increase in risk), urinary organs (51% increase in risk) and the central nervous system (52% increase).

In addition, siblings of patients with MS, but who do not have MS themselves, appeared to have a higher risk of developing hematological cancer, a type of blood cancer that includes myeloma, lymphoma and leukemia, compared with both MS patients and the general population.

“This study is the first to compare cancer risk in MS with non-affected siblings of MS patients. The risk assessment between these two groups is extremely interesting because they share the same genetics and environmental conditions,” said Dr. Nina Grytten, lead researcher of the study.

According to Dr. Grytten, the findings may also suggest that MS and hematological cancer could share some of the same causes.

“Previous clinical studies of cancer risk in MS patients in various countries have shown inconsistent findings, so further research is needed to help improve our understanding in this area,” Dr. Grytten stated. “This research outlines the need for greater awareness of cancer risk among MS patients, which should lead to shortened cancer diagnosis and more effective therapy in order to improve outcomes and survival.”

“Additional research could also identify the possible connections between hematological cancer and MS and new ways in which we could manage these conditions,” she added.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system, especially the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Symptoms range from problems with vision to difficulties with arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

It is one of the most common causes of disability affecting young adults and shortens the lifespan of patients by an average of seven years. HM/JB

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