MEMPHIS, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have identified a new chromosomal abnormality in leukemia that is associated with Down syndrome.
The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-led study said the chromosomal abnormality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia appears to work with another mutation that causes cancer. The latest anomaly is particularly common in children with Down syndrome and the findings have already resulted in new diagnostic tests and potential tools for tracking a patient's response to treatment, investigators said.
The research, led by scientists from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, also highlights a new potential acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment.
"A substantial proportion of children with ALL lack one of the previously identified, common chromosomal abnormalities. Also, children with Down syndrome have an increased risk of ALL, but the reasons why are unclear," Dr. Charles Mullighan, senior author of the study, said. "Our results have provided important data regarding the mechanisms contributing to leukemia in these cases," he added.
The study is published in the early online edition of the journal Nature Genetics.
