Charting the Pathway Leading to Childhood Leukaemia
22nd April 2005 - Over the past 15 years, Institute scientists have been conducting a study into the possible causes of childhood leukaemia. The United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study (UKCCS) is the largest and most comprehensive investigation into identifying possible causes of childhood leukaemia and other cancers. During this unique project, parents of nearly 4,000 children diagnosed with cancer were interviewed, in addition to examination of biological material and clinical records.
Professor Mel Greaves and his colleagues have shown that chromosome changes that initiate leukaemia are present before birth, but that post-natal exposures and ‘secondary’ genetic changes impact on prevalence of the disease. The timing and pattern of common infections was suggested to be crucial in this respect. The UKCCS has now reported that children with a wide range of social contacts outside the home during infancy (principally via playgroup attendance) appeared to have lower rates of leukaemia. This agrees with the concept that early infections protect, but that ‘delayed’ infection may promote or precipitate childhood leukaemia.
The UKCCS has also reported that perceived risk factors such as living near sources of electromagnetic fields or natural radiation are not principal causes of leukaemia in children. Further genetic and epidemiological analysis is ongoing of data from over 1,500 families who had a child diagnosed with leukaemia during the course of the study.
Find out more about Professor Greaves' research
