Association between Hand Digit Ratio (2D : 4D) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Murine Model of Leukemia Relapse to Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Published on: October 17, 2025
Verônica O Dias1,2, Maria L Santos2, Patrícia Helena C Mendes2
1Health Science Program, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Objective:
Digit ratio (2D : 4D) has been suggested as a biomarker for prenatal hormone activity and has been linked to several types of cancer. This study investigated the possible correlation between 2D : 4D ratios and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Methods:
A case-control study was performed with Brazilian subjects. Direct measurements of the lengths of index and ring fingers of both hands of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 43) and controls matched by age and gender (n = 86) were obtained by using a digital vernier caliper. Mean ratios between the second and fourth digits were compared. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test with a significance level of 5%.
Results:
No significant difference was found between the mean digit ratios of the right and left hands between the groups for any analysis (p > 0.05), neither for the whole sample nor for the distribution by gender.
Conclusions:
We observed that patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia do not have a different digit pattern when compared with unaffected individuals, which may suggest that exposure to prenatal sex hormone is similar between groups.
Related Concept Videos
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Poisson's Ratio
Odds Ratio
Hazard Ratio
For example, in a clinical trial...
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Associative Learning
Classical conditioning, also known...

