
Corresponding author Jun Yang, Ph.D.
Hispanic children in the U.S. are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than other populations. They are also more likely to die of this cancer.
St. Jude researchers want to understand why. They looked for clues in variations in the makeup of genes in children with and without ALL. These differences also helped investigators define patients’ ancestry.
Scientists found variations in a fourth gene that is linked to a 50% increased ALL risk in Hispanic children. The risk was much lower for non-Hispanic children with the variation.
“The more we understand the biology of racial and ethnic differences in cancer, the greater our chances of finding a cure of the disease,” said Jun J. Yang, PhD, of St. Jude Hematological Malignancies Program.
A report on this work appeared in Blood.
More Information
-
St. Jude Newsroom
Visit the St. Jude newsroom to read our latest news, find media relations contacts and explore resources for journalists and bloggers.
-
Research at St. Jude
At St. Jude, science matters. From molecular breakthroughs to innovative therapies, our research discovers the cures of tomorrow, and saves children's lives today.
-
Research News & Publications
Browse the latest peer-reviewed articles from St. Jude investigators and clinicians, as well as breaking news, in-depth features and our Scientific Report.
-
About St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
-
Clinical & Research Innovation
At St. Jude, we dream big, and build our research programs to match. Explore just a few of the pioneering initiatives that make St. Jude different.
-
Careers
St. Jude is a world-class research hospital seeking a diverse staff of faculty, researchers, clinicians, fundraisers and more. Find a job and help save lives.
-
Education and Training
St. Jude offers world-class scientific and clinical training experiences for fellows, students and other trainees. We also share knowledge through international outreach.