Etiology of leukaemias, with special reference to genetic problems.

A critical review is made of the present knowledge of the etiology of neoplasms of the haematopoietic system in experimental animals and man. Genetic factors play a dominant role in the origin of leukaemias in mice. A Mendelian interpretation of the data is excluded and several genes appear to be involved in susceptibility. The data available on leukaemias in man are equivocal so far as the role of genetic factors is involved. The author discusses the value of family and twin studies-which suggest the operation of rare, highly penetrant, recessive genes-and of cytogenetic studies in contributing to a fuller understanding of the nature and etiology of leukaemia.