Early Risk Detection in Children with Genetic Predisposition to leukemia

Lay Summary Background: Cancer is, after accidents, the most frequent cause of childhood death in Westerncountries, and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a rare pediatric disease (OrphanetORPHA:99860 and https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/522/acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia) andthe commonest type of childhood cancer. More than 5% of children present with an inborn geneticpredisposition to develop B-ALL, but fortunately, only a small number of them will finally suffer thedisease. Our goal is to identify children who are at risk of developing leukemia, specifically B-cell acutelymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), to help us understand and potentially block the early steps that lead tothis disease. The insights from this research will guide new strategies to prevent childhood B-ALL beforeit progresses. Impact: This project has the potential to generate a paradigm shift in the clinical treatment of B-ALL.