Highlights
- •Assessed cancer in MS patients, family history, among DMT users and naïve patients
- •Prevalence of cancer in males and females in NYSMSC cohort was lower than expected.
- •MS patients with history of cancer more likely to report DMT use
Abstract
Background
Although dysimmunity is considered an important link between multiple sclerosis (MS),
family history and cancer risk, their relationship to the use of disease modifying
therapies (DMT) is not fully understood.
Objective
To assess the observed versus expected number of cancers in MS patients, and family
history of cancer, among DMT users and DMT naïve patients.
Methods
Cancer, DMT use, and family history of cancer were assessed using the New York State
Multiple Sclerosis Consortium (NYSMSC) registry. Self-reported cancers in MS patients
were tested for associations with DMT use, family history of cancer and other factors.
Expected number of cancer cases was estimated using age- and gender-specific prevalence
and incidence rates from the general population.
Results
The prevalence of cancer in males and females in the NYSMSC cohort was lower than
expected (p < 0.001). Patients with cancer were older at MS diagnosis and more likely to be female
(p < 0.001). MS patients with a personal history of cancer were more likely to report DMT
use (p < 0.001) and family history of cancer (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis did not support a higher risk of cancer after DMT initiation.
Conclusions
We report a lower than expected number of cancer cases in MS patients compared to
the general population. MS patients with a personal history of cancer were more likely
to report DMT use suggesting that DMTs may abrogate the lower incidence of cancer
in MS.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 09, 2016
Accepted:
September 6,
2016
Received in revised form:
August 10,
2016
Received:
March 29,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
