Blood cancer’s genetic warning signs may appear years early
A long-term genetic study has identified DNA markers that can predict the progression of chronic blood cancers years before symptoms appear. These findings could allow for earlier intervention and more personalized treatment plans for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Why it matters
Improved diagnostic and monitoring capabilities for blood cancers can lead to better patient outcomes and more precise use of medical treatments.
Long-term tracking of chronic blood cancers has revealed major genetic differences between patients whose conditions remain stable and those whose diseases eventually become more severe. The findings suggest that DNA changes may help doctors improve diagnoses, monitor patients more accurately, assess how treatments are working, and identify signs of progression years before symptoms become obvious.
Published in Cancer Discovery , the study was led by researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and their collaborators. The team combined genetic analysis with detailed clinical records to investigate how chronic blood cancers can develop over several decades. The findings were also presented at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Conference in San Diego.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of rare, long-lasting blood cancers that begin in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. In people with MPNs, the bone marrow makes certain blood cells in an uncontrolled way.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in