Etiology of Acute Leukemias in Children

Description

Childhood acute leukemias are one of the main causes of death in children aged 1 to 14 years in some countries; and unfortunately, we have been unable to prevent it. Certainly, a good parcel of it is due to the poor understanding about its etiology. This book aims to describe the most important theories and hypothesis regarding childhood acute leukemia. Written by the most outstanding researchers in the field, this book intends to contribute to a greater understanding of the etiology of this disease. It goes beyond the simple and common analysis of risk factors, which hardly allows us to draw definite conclusions. By addressing the etiology of the disease, discussing from molecular biology until epidemiology and clinical manifestations, this book will guide present and future approaches, contributing for a better clinical management of leukemia in children. The knowledge regarding etiology is a crucial step for a better evaluation, prevention and treatment of a disease. Thus, this book finally intends to provide such knowledge, allowing physicians and practitioners to a better manage of childhood acute leukemias.

Table of Contents

1. Acute leukemias - An introduction. Ching Hon Pui.-
2. Etiology and prevention of acute leukemias in children. Juan Manuel Mejia-Arangure.-
3. Greaves Hypothesis. Mel Greaves.-
4. Kinlen Hypothesis. Leo Kinlen.-
5. Direct viral leukemogenesis hypothesis. Malcolm A. Smith.-
6. The adrenal hypothesis. Schmiegelow K.-
7. The infective lymphoid recovery hypothesis. Richardson RB.-
8. Etiology of leukemia in children with Down syndrome. Epidemiologic perspective. Leslie Robison.-
9. Origin of leukemia in children with Down syndrome. Hitzler JK.-
10. Model: Susceptibility, exposure and vulnerability period. Juan Manuel Mejia-Arangure.-
11. Molecular origin of acute leukemias. Charles G. Mullighan.-
12. Environmental origin of acute leukemias in children. Martha Linet.-
13. Environmental factors related with the etiology of acute leukemia in children. Peggy Reynolds.-
14. When an environmental factor would be considered the cause the acute leukemia in children. Sander Greenland.-
15. The Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC). An international effort to identify the causes of acute leukemias in children. Catherine Metayer.