Genetic Variations Linked to Increased Risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children

Strategic Insights -

A multicenter team of childhood cancer researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying two genetic variations linked to an increased risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, the most common childhood cancer in the United States. According to University of Florida researcher Meenakshi Devidas, Ph.D., the genetic glitches point to a specific subtype of the disease, which could lead to improved treatment outcomes for children with this particular form of leukemia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientist Mary Relling, Pharm.D., found two genetic variations in tiny strands of DNA, known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms, that increased the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.
  • The genetic variations were linked to the B-hyperdiploid subtype of ALL, which tends to respond well to chemotherapy.
  • Identifying these genetic variations in children with leukemia could improve treatment outcomes, says Meenakshi Devidas, Ph.D., co-author of the study.
  • Nearly one-quarter of children with cancer have ALL, according to National Cancer Institute statistics.
  • The survival rate for this form of leukemia is around 85 percent, up from 5 percent in the 1960s, due to scientific research.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering both inherited and acquired genetic defects in cancer research.

Statistics:

  • The researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of about 400 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
  • The two genetic variations identified were linked to a specific subtype of ALL, known as B-hyperdiploid, which responds well to chemotherapy.
  • Nearly one-quarter of children with cancer have ALL (National Cancer Institute statistics).
  • The survival rate for this form of leukemia is around 85 percent (National Cancer Institute).
  • In the 1960s, the survival rate for this form of leukemia was around 5 percent (National Cancer Institute).

Sources:

  • "Genomewide association study identifies susceptibility loci for acute lymphoblastic leukemia"

- Nature Genetics (online) Sunday [no specific date provided]

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  • University of Florida

- See also [no specific reference provided]

  • National Cancer Institute

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  • Meenakshi Devidas, Ph.D., research associate professor in the department of epidemiology and health policy research in the UF College of Medicine and co-director of the Children's Oncology Group Statistics and Data Center at UF.
  • Mary Relling, Pharm.D., chair of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital department of pharmaceutical sciences and senior author of the paper.
  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

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