Is acute myeloid leukemia hereditary to the next generation?
Disease description:
Recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. My partner and I were planning to have a child. Is there a chance this disease could be inherited by our child, causing them to suffer as well?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
In general, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not directly inherited by the next generation, but a familial genetic predisposition may exist.
Most gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia occur randomly during an individual's lifetime rather than being inherited from parents. The development of AML is primarily influenced by environmental factors, such as ionizing radiation and exposure to harmful substances. Long-term accumulation of these factors in an individual's daily life may lead to genetic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells, which can subsequently trigger acute myeloid leukemia.
However, some cases of AML exhibit a certain degree of familial clustering, which may be related to genetic susceptibility. Certain hereditary syndromes, such as Fanconi anemia and neurofibromatosis type 1, can increase an individual's risk of developing AML. Additionally, chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations may also be inherited in a recessive or dominant manner, thereby forming specific hereditary patterns within families.
In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid exposure to known carcinogens, and undergo regular physical examinations and blood tests, which can help prevent this disease.
