New results of a 65-year follow-up study of nearly 7,000 Norwegian
patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) suggest that patients may have a
greater overall risk of developing cancer than the general population,
with an especially high risk of cancer in respiratory organs, urinary
organs and the central nervous system.
Presented today at the 5th European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
Congress in Oslo, Norway, the Norwegian study also indicated an
increased risk of developing haematological cancers in non-MS siblings
of MS patients, compared with both MS patients and the general
population.
Cancer risk among MS patients compared to the non-MS population:
- Respiratory cancer: 66% increase in risk
- Central nervous system (CNS): 52% increase in risk
- Urinary cancer: 51% increase in risk
- Overall cancer: 14% increase in risk
This long-term analysis was based on patient records from 6,883 MS
patients born between 1930-1979, who were registered with various
Norwegian MS and Cancer Registries, and prevalence studies from Norway.
The analysis also included data from 8,918 siblings without MS, and
37,919 non-MS individuals.
“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,” noted Dr Nina Grytten, lead researcher
of the study, from Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, who presented
the results at the EAN congress.
“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,” stated Dr
Grytten. “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 haematological cancer and MS and new ways in which we could
manage these conditions”, she added.
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong disease that affects the central
nervous system, especially the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It
can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including problems with vision,
arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. MS is one of the most common
causes of disability in younger adults, and people with MS have on
average 7 years shorter longevity.
Haematological cancer is a type of blood cancer that includes
myeloma, lymphoma and leukaemia. There are many different types of
haematological cancers, which can affect the blood, bone marrow and
lymph nodes in the body. According to Dr. Grytten, the results of the
investigation might suggest that MS and haematological cancer could
share a common etiology, which can be important for future treatment of
MS and prevention of both diseases.
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