Multiple Sclerosis and Screening for Precancerous Cervical Abnormalities

Therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) may alter viral clearance and tumor surveillance. In this study, investigators used data from an MS registry, a human papillomavirus vaccine registry, and a cervical cytology registry. Higher-efficacy therapies included S1P modulators, dimethyl fumarate, cladribine, and monoclonal antibodies. Low-efficacy therapies included interferon, glatiramer acetate, and teriflunomide.

Among 248 women with MS, abnormal cervical screening tests were 3.8-fold more common for those exposed to higher-efficacy therapies compared with those not exposed to higher-efficacy therapies. The association was not affected by smoking, hormonal contraceptive use, and socioeconomic status. The HPV vaccination rate was low.