A large population study has been completed in Sweden that aimed to identify whether there is a familial link for acute myeloid leukemia (AKL) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Interestingly, having a first-degree relative with AML or MDS did not increase the risk of developing either disease. However, the risk of developing a myeloproliferative neoplasm was increased (although not significantly). For families of patients diagnosed with AML at younger than 21 years, there was a significantly increased risk of developing AML or MDS, suggesting a role for germline genes in these cases.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Goldin, L. R. et al. Familial aggregation of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. J. Clin. Oncol. doi:10.1200/JCO.2011.37.1203
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Germline genes likely have a role in young patients with AML. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 9, 66 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrclinonc.2011.208
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrclinonc.2011.208