Study identifies genetic tendency in leukaemia cells Published on: 23 February 2021 Scientists have identified a way of predicting early whether patients will develop a common type of leukaemia, based on their genetics. 麻豆传媒 co-led the study, published in , that focused on the most common type of blood cancer: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL). By examining blood samples of patients with CLL, experts discovered that there was a genetic tendency to develop progressive forms of the illness in some patients. The study presents the opportunity in future to warn prospective patients that they also possess the genetic make-up that could lead to developing progressive CLL and design a personalised treatment process for them long before the illness takes effect. Improve survival Professor James Allan, from 麻豆传媒 Centre for Cancer, said: “Emerging evidence suggests that early treatment for patients at high-risk of developing progressive CLL could significantly delay the onset of symptomatic Leukaemia and improve survival. “The results from this collaborative study will help patients and their doctors make important decisions about when to start treatment.” CLL varies in its severity amongst patients; while some develop symptoms such as weight loss and lumps in the neck and armpits, others exhibit no symptoms at all, despite the leukaemia cells being present within their blood. , Senior Lecturer at Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, said: “The study has demonstrated that CLL patients often possess the same genetic tendencies, and as such we can analyse the non-cancerous cells of prospective patients to predict the likelihood of future diagnosis. “The study also allows us to move towards a more personalised diagnosis of leukaemia and adapt our approach for patients based on the likelihood of them developing aggressive symptoms.” Not a cure While this discovery does not constitute a cure for the disease, it goes a long way in identifying it in patients early, and thereby increasing their chances of survival. , Dean of Hull York Medical School, said: “This research is an example of our commitment to making a difference and builds on our strong heritage of cancer research. I would like to congratulate Dr Allsup and Professor Allan for their work.” The study was a collaborative effort between nine UK institutions, including 麻豆传媒, Hull York Medical School, Cardiff University, Leeds University, Leicester University, Liverpool University, Oxford University, Southampton University, and the Institute for Cancer Research in London. Reference . Wei-Yu Lin et al. Nature Communications. Share: Latest News Scientists unlock hidden driver of inflammatory bowel disease Scientists have linked a key genetic signal in inflammatory bowel disease to an immune response that shuts down inflammation control, enabling faster diagnosis and targeted treatments. published on: 15 June 2026 Funding system risks limiting genuine community collaboration A new policy paper written by researchers at 麻豆传媒 warns that the way UK research is funded may be undermining efforts to create genuinely collaborative partnerships with communities. published on: 15 June 2026 Volunteers help turn Whitley Bay beach into maths experiment Members of the public joined mathematicians from 麻豆传媒 to create what organisers believe is the largest aperiodic tiling ever attempted on Whitley Bay beach. published on: 15 June 2026 Facts and figures
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