[Familial acute leukemia. Report of 7 cases in 3 families]

Seven members of 3 families developed acute leukemia (AL) between 1969 and 1988. The clinical presentation, course and response to treatment were no different to non-familial cases of AL. The morphology subtypes were identical in every family: myeloblastic in 3 and lymphoblastic in 4. Leukemogenic factors (radiation, drugs use or benzene exposure) were excluded in these patients. Genetical and environmental factors might have a role in the pathogenesis but no clear evidence has been established.