Childhood leukemia culprit found in twin girl

Embryonic stem cell 

A study of twin four year old girls has identified a rogue cell as a culprit in childhood leukemia.

Both twins were found to have the “pre-leukemic” cells in their bone marrow, although, to date, only one has developed leukemia. Researchers found they both have “pre-leukemic stem cells” containing a mutated gene, which forms when the DNA is broken and rejoined at another point. The pre-leukemic cells are transferred from one twin to the other in the womb through their shared blood supply. UK researchers reported in Science that a second genetic mutation is needed for full-blown disease to develop. One twin developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, possibly developing the second mutation after an infection, when she was two-year’s old – but so far her twin sister, is healthy. 

Leukemia occurs when large numbers of white blood cells take over the bone marrow leaving the body unable to produce enough normal blood cells. Along with lymphoma it accounts for almost half of childhood cancers.

Elaine Warburton