Multiple sclerosis and lung cancer: an unexpected inverse association.
Multiple sclerosis is associated with a decreased risk of cancer. Smoking is a risk factor both for multiple sclerosis and lung cancer. We performed a meta-analysis on studies of cancer frequency in multiple sclerosis. Surprisingly, we found that the risk of lung cancer is reduced in multiple sclerosis [odds ratio 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.59-0.76) P < 0.00001]. Since this does not appear to be secondary to altered smoking behaviour, we hypothesise that this may be secondary to altered immune surveillance.
Handel
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AE
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.
Joseph
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A
Ramagopalan
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SV
D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*