PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK OF DEVELOPING CANCER
Individuals with
multiple sclerosis may have an increased risk of developing any type of cancer,
with an especially high risk of developing breast cancer. That is the
conclusion of a recent study published inEuropean
Journal of Neurology. Because the findings contradict earlier
studies, additional research is needed to determine whether a true link exists
between multiple sclerosis and cancer
Previous research
suggests that some individuals with autoimmune diseases may have an increased
risk of developing cancer, but most studies have found no link between cancer
and multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that involves the central nervous
system.
To investigate
further, Li-Min Sun, MD, of the Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces
General Hospital in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and his colleagues assessed data from
the National Health Insurance System of Taiwan, including information on 1292
patients who were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between 1997 and 2010. Each
patient was matched with four participants without the condition.
"Our study was a
nationwide population-based cohort study, and it revealed unexpected
findings," said Dr. Sun. Specifically, the team found that individuals
with multiple sclerosis were 85% more likely to develop cancer than the
controls. Their risk of developing breast cancer was especially high, with more
than a 2-fold increased risk over controls.
The findings suggest
that patients with multiple sclerosis patients may need to be monitored closely
to ensure early detection of cancer. Dr. Sun notes that it is unclear why his
team's results are not consistent with most other studies. "The underlying
genetic and environmental factors in Taiwan, which differ from those of western
countries, might play an undetermined role. Additional large-scale studies will
help improve our understanding," he said.
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