Our nationwide study investigated DNA in children with leukemia by analyzing the complete genetic code of 168 children diagnosed between 2022 and 2024.
The analysis revealed that about 6% of these children carried genetic variations that increased their leukemia risk.
We discovered changes across various genes linked to cancer development. While some genes had known associations with leukemia, others were typically linked to different cancer types. Notably, one-third of the children had a family history of cancer.
This research demonstrates how germline whole genome sequencing can identify childhood cancer predisposition early, offering opportunities for improved monitoring and treatment approaches.
This study is part of the nationwide Genomic Medicine Sweden Childhood Cancer Predisposition (ChiCaP) study and funded by Barncancerfonden.