Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
20:16
Detecting Anastasis In Vivo by CaspaseTracker Biosensor
Published on: February 1, 2018
Childhood ALL and second neoplasms.
Tapan N Maniar1, Inbal Braunstein, Stephen Keefe
1Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Abramson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Cancer Biology & Therapy
|October 24, 2007
Summary
Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with cranial irradiation face increased risks of second brain tumors, primarily meningiomas. This study explores the genetic links between these tumors and breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Second malignancies are a significant concern for survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- Cranial irradiation is a common treatment for ALL, increasing the risk of secondary brain tumors, particularly meningiomas.
- Breast cancer is not typically considered a direct consequence of ALL treatment.
Observation:
- This study investigates the molecular genetics of childhood ALL and meningioma.
- It examines the potential association between meningioma and breast cancer in survivors.
- The focus is on understanding the genetic underpinnings of these secondary cancers.
Findings:
- Childhood ALL treatment, especially cranial irradiation, elevates the risk of secondary meningiomas.
- The molecular genetics of meningioma are distinct but share potential pathways with other cancers.
- A possible link between meningioma and breast cancer in this patient population is explored.
Implications:
- Understanding these genetic associations can inform risk stratification and surveillance strategies for ALL survivors.
- This research may lead to targeted therapies for secondary malignancies.
- Further investigation into the shared molecular mechanisms could reveal new therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:24Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia
DysplasiaDysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of mature cells, characterized by pleomorphism, nuclear abnormalities, and increased mitotic activity. It commonly affects epithelial tissues, including the cervix, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory mucosa, and endometrium. Although it may occur alongside hyperplasia, dysplasia is not a true adaptive response but a preneoplastic change with potential to progress to cancer.When confined above the basement...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...