Scientists identify gene mutations likely to cause leukemia

By Gwyn Wright via SWNS

Gene mutations likely to cause blood cancer have been identified by scientists.

The breakthrough could save lives by helping doctors identify the disease earlier.

Researchers looked at the role of specific cells that produce all the other blood cells in the body.

The cells, called hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are vital to the development of our blood.

They can carry mutations that can raise someone’s risk of blood cancer, also known as leukemia, and if lots of these mutations develop the risk of cancer increases even more.

Exploring the mutations in more detail meant the researchers could better identify gene changes that were likely to go on to cause disease such as leukemia.

As we age, our blood system can become damaged and our chances of developing blood cancer go up.

Investigating the effects of aging on the blood can often take years of study.

By knowing that people have these mutations, they can be more closely monitored to diagnose and treat disease earlier.

For the study, researchers at the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow teamed up with Cancer Research UK.

They looked at changes to the blood cells of Scots taking part in an existing study, which collects data as people age, over a 12 year period. All 85 participants were over 70 years of age.

More than one person every hour, or 28 people every day, are diagnosed with leukemia in Britain.

Each year, more than 40 per cent of new leukaemia cases in Britain occur in people aged 75 and over.

Study lead author Dr. Kristina Kirschner, of the University of Glasgow said: “This method will help pave the way towards early detection of transformation to leukemia in the elderly population, reducing treatment costs to the NHS and improving outcomes for patients.”

Dr. Dawn Farrar, Director of Impact at Leukemia UK, said: “These are exciting new findings.

“The ability to detect leukemia at the earliest opportunity in the elderly may provide options for less harsh but effective treatments.

“Identifying a future risk of development of leukemia may ultimately offer the possibility of prevention and therefore save more lives.”

The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine.