Possible aetiological factors in childhood leukaemia

Article Abstract:

Leukemia accounts for half of all cancers occurring in childhood, and mortality remains high in spite of great advances in treatment. Several new theories about the causes of leukemia in children have recently been proposed, and these are discussed. Ionizing radiation is accepted as a cause of leukemia, with up to 5 percent of leukemia cases in children thought to result from X-rays of the mother during fetal development. The effect of naturally occurring radiation is more controversial; radon in the home has been suggested as a cause of a significant proportion of leukemias. Other researchers have proposed that exposure of the father's sperm to radiation during work is associated with an increased risk of leukemia in the children. Infectious diseases, particularly viruses, have been proposed as causative. A human form of the animal leukemia virus has not been found, and research is instead focusing on the role that common viruses may play in the development of leukemia. Chemotherapy is the only other established cause of leukemia besides ionizing radiation, but it is responsible for very few cases. Other drugs, such as the antibiotic chloramphenicol, and marijuana, have been proposed as causes of cancer. Exposure to chemicals such as lead and benzene have also been suggested as increasing the risk of leukemia, but studies have been contradictory or have shown only weak associations. Non-ionizing radiation, which is emitted from electric blankets and power lines, has also been targeted, but research on this factor has been inconsistent and difficult to interpret. Some children with leukemia have specific chromosomal disorders, but the relationship between leukemia and chromosomal abnormalities remains unclear in most cases. More research is needed to determine if any of these possible causes, other than ionizing radiation and chemotherapy, do in fact increase the risk of leukemia in children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Childhood leukemia, Leukemia in children

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Leukaemia mortality among relatives of cystic fibrosis patients

Article Abstract:

Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder of the exocrine glands, is most commonly associated with the gene mutation delta F508, which is located on the chromosome 7q31. Because of the relative frequency of cystic fibrosis, its varying clinical characteristics, and the fact that it involves several organ systems, this disease is likely to be associated with other disorders. A previous study showed an increased incidence of leukemia within families of patients with cystic fibrosis. Other diseases, cause of death, and incidence of leukemia were assessed in 219 families of patients with cystic fibrosis. Death occurred in eight cases, including five cases of myeloid leukemia in first- and second-degree relatives. The mortality rate from myeloid leukemia among the relatives was higher than expected in the general population. Mortality from other causes among siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents was similar to that in the general population. Four of the five patients with myeloid leukemia carried the delta F508 gene mutation. These findings suggest that carriers of the delta F508 gene mutation may be at increased risk for myeloid leukemia. This may be a direct effect of the cystic fibrosis gene or result from the influence of the cystic fibrosis gene upon another gene. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Genetic aspects, Cystic fibrosis, Myeloid leukemia, Myelocytic leukemia

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