Causes of Leukemia in Children
With the exception of specific inherited syndromes, little is known about the causes of childhood leukemia. The inherited syndromes, which are associated with a higher risk of developing leukemia, include: Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Down's syndrome, Kleinfelter syndrome, neurofibromatosis, ataxia telangectasia, and Franconi’s anemia. Children who have received prior radiation or chemotherapy for other types of cancer, or who are receiving drugs to suppress their immune systems after organ transplants, are also at higher risk for leukemia.
The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body from diseases, and possibly cancer. An alteration or defect in the immune system may increase the risk for developing leukemia. Factors such as exposure to certain viruses, environmental factors, chemical exposures, and various infections have been associated with damage to the immune system.
The majority of childhood leukemias are believed to arise from acquired genetic diseases, ie noninherited mutations in the genes of growing blood cells. These gene mutations and chromosome abnormalities occur randomly and unpredictably. There is currently no effective way to prevent most types of leukemia.
The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body from diseases, and possibly cancer. An alteration or defect in the immune system may increase the risk for developing leukemia. Factors such as exposure to certain viruses, environmental factors, chemical exposures, and various infections have been associated with damage to the immune system.
The majority of childhood leukemias are believed to arise from acquired genetic diseases, ie noninherited mutations in the genes of growing blood cells. These gene mutations and chromosome abnormalities occur randomly and unpredictably. There is currently no effective way to prevent most types of leukemia.