Gene linked to leukaemia

SCIENTISTS have discovered a gene specific to the male-only Y chromosome protects against the development of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and other cancers.

AML is an aggressive blood cancer that affects people of all ages. It develops in cells in the bone marrow. Mainstream treatments for the condition have remained unchanged for decades and just 20 per cent of patients survive for five years or more after diagnosis.

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Cambridge University said the discovery of this new role changes the way the Y chromosome is viewed and improves understanding of how cancers develop.