‘Germs could help prevent babies getting leukaemia’

CHILDHOOD leukaemia could be prevented by exposing babies to germs, a landmark study suggests.

A leading expert in the most common childhood cancer believes keeping babies in a sterile environment can trigger it in those with a faulty gene. It can leave their immune systems vulnerable and common viruses such as flu can cause them to malfunction, ultimately causing leukaemia.

Experts from the Institute of Cancer Research hope that harmless bugs could be used to ‘prime’ immune systems to stop them developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The theory could pave the way for trials of preventative treatments – such as probiotic bacterial supplements – in the next five years.

Professor Mel Greaves said parents should ‘in no way’ be blamed, but advised them to be less fussy about common or trivial infections.

Breastfeeding, having siblings and going to nursery from a young age could all boost children’s immunity, the review of 30 years of evidence suggests.

The new study should also help to put an end to myths about leukaemia – such as that power cables are possible causes.

Prof. Greaves said: ‘The research strongly suggests that ALL has a clear biological cause, and is triggered by a variety of infections in predisposed children whose immune systems have not been properly primed.

‘The most important implication is that most cases of childhood leukaemia are likely to be preventable. It also busts some persistent myths on the causes of leukaemia.’