Leukaemia trigger found
A BROKEN genetic "switch" has been discovered that can trigger leukaemia.
Scientists believe the discovery, lifting the lid on a previously unknown messaging mechanism in cells, could lead to new treatments.
Leukaemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and the immune system's white blood cells, which do not develop properly and begin to divide uncontrollably.
The disease leaves the body less able to fight off infections. It also disrupts the manufacture of red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Leukaemia affects more than 7,000 people in the UK each year and causes 4,350 deaths.
Meanwhile, research yesterday suggested a leukaemia drug could provide a way to save the fertility of women undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Scientists uncovered a biological mechanism that explains why cancer treatments can trigger a premature menopause.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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