Familial acute myelogenous leukemia associated with RNA virus and polymorphism of 1qh+

In order to investigate the genetic background of leukemogenesis of two brothers with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), they and their family members were studied genetically, immunologically, virologically, and cytogenetically. Their parents were first cousins once removed and had the same or a very close type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and blood groups. In all five non-leukemic family members the immunoglobulin G (IgG) level was elevated, and in two healthy siblings the IgM level was beyond the normal range. The RNA reverse transcriptase activity in serum of the younger brother (Case 2) with AML was elevated. A cytogenetic study of the family revealed polymorphism of 1qh+. Based on these findings, we discuss the genetic and environmental factors of familial leukemia.