A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology® has found a slight increase in the frequency of certain cancers among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to those without the condition. Types of cancers identified as having a small elevated risk in people with MS include bladder, brain, and cervical cancers. However, the study does not definitively establish that having MS directly correlates with a higher likelihood of developing cancer, but rather demonstrates an association between the two.
In individuals with MS, the immune system targets myelin, a protective substance surrounding nerves, resulting in chronic and potentially disabling symptoms. Lead researcher Emmanuelle Leray from Rennes University in France suggests that the increased rate of cancer detection in individuals with MS may be due to the regular monitoring they undergo for their MS. While the study identified a slightly higher risk of cancer in individuals with MS compared to those without the condition, the overall increase was found to be relatively small.
The study analyzed data from 140,649 individuals with MS and compared it to 562,596 individuals without MS, tracking their cancer development over a span of ten years. The results revealed that individuals with MS had a 6% higher risk of developing any type of cancer, with the risk being more pronounced in individuals under 55 and lower in those 65 and older, compared to individuals without MS. Additionally, specific types of cancer, such as bladder, brain, and cervical cancers, showed increased risks in individuals with MS, while risks for other cancers, such as prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers, were found to be lower.
When examining the reasons behind the increased risk of certain cancers in individuals with MS, factors such as frequent urinary tract infections, the use of immunosuppressant drugs, and regular brain scans for MS monitoring were considered. These factors may contribute to the heightened risk of bladder and cervical cancers, as well as potentially influencing the earlier detection of brain tumors in individuals with MS. Leray highlighted the importance of further research to explore the role of cancer screenings in individuals with MS and how they may impact cancer risk.
Limitations of the study included the inability to account for various factors such as education, income, smoking, and alcohol consumption, as this information was not available in the national health care database. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the potential association between MS and cancer risk, emphasizing the need for additional research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions. The study was supported by the Rennes Institute of Clinical Neurosciences and the EDMUS-ARSEP Foundation, underscoring the importance of continued research in this field.
