Study Shows That Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) At High Risk Of Developing Cancer
Source: Thailand Medical News Jul 01, 2019 5 years, 4 months, 2 weeks, 6 days, 18 hours, 1 minute ago
A 65 year old study involving nearly 7,000 Norwegian patients with Multiple Sclerosis conducted by the Haukeland University in Norway indicates that individuals with MS have a greater overall risk of developing cancer than individuals without MS. The risk of cancer in respiratory organs, urinary organs and the central nervous system were exceptionally higher in them than others.
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The findings were presented at the 5th European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress in Oslo. The Norwegian study also indicated an increased risk of developing hematological cancers in non-MS siblings of MS patients, compared with both MS patients and the general population.
Cancer risk among Multiple Sclerosis patients compared to the non-MS population:
- 66% increase in risk for respiratory cancers
- 52% increase in risk for central nervous system cancers.
- 51% increase in risk for urinary cancers
- 14% increase in risk for overall cancers
This massive and also extensive period of study 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.
Dr Nina Grytten, lead researcher of the study, from Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen commented in a phone interview with Thailand Medical News "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. Prior clinical studies of cancer risk in MS patients have shown inconsistent findings. Also 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. Further research could also identify the possible connections between haematological cancer and MS and new ways in which these conditions can be managed."
MS or Multiple sclerosis is a longterm 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.
Hematological cancer is a type of blood cancer that includes myeloma, lymphoma and leukemia. There are many different types of hematological cancers, which can affect the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes in the body. The results of the investigation might suggest that MS and hematological cancer could share a common etiology, which can be important for future treatment of MS and prevention of both diseases.
