Relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) can be treated with numerous disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that can slow both relapse rates and disease progression. All these treatments work by modulating the immune system, but in different ways. Treatment in MS is often started at a young age and continued for decades or even life-long. This long-term action on the immune response may predispose individuals to a higher risk of infections.  
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the world, with 80% of women being affected at some point in their life. Persistent infection of the cervix can result in the development of abnormal cells and cervical cancer. This process can take decades to develop.  
This multi-centre, national study aims to determine if exposure to DMTs in women with MS increases the risk of HPV infection, cervical cell abnormalities, and cervical cancer. The team will achieve this by linking MS disease information from the MSBase Registry with the National Cervical Cancer Registry and the Australian Immunisation Registry. The results have the potential to change the way that women with MS are screened for cervical cancers and to provide evidence that HPV-vaccination should be provided to all women with MS.  
Associate Professor van der Walt and her team are continuing work on their important study. The study is still ongoing, with all research sites now activated and recruitment underway. Progress was on track until an unexpected delay occurred due to changes in how consent is required for accessing information from the National Cancer Screening Registry. In response, the team is updating their study protocol and consent forms to meet the new requirements. They are also introducing electronic consent to make it easier and faster for participants to take part or re-consent.
Over the next 18 months, the researchers will focus on finalising approvals for the updated consent process, completing recruitment and re-consenting any remaining participants, and linking and analysing the data. The findings are expected to be ready for publication in a peer-reviewed journal by mid-2026.
Despite the challenges, the team remains committed to completing the study and delivering much-needed insights into cervical cancer risk in women with MS.
Bridge F, Brotherton JML, Foong Y, Butzkueven H, Jokubaitis VG, Van der Walt A. Risk of cervical pre-cancer and cancer in women with multiple sclerosis exposed to high efficacy disease modifying therapies. Front Neurol. 2023Feb 10;14:1119660. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1119660.
Updated 31 March 2025
$249,000
2022
4 years
Current project
