Leukemia Cluster in Niles, Ill.

Abstract

Eight cases of childhood leukemia were diagnosed in a small community. Blood was obtained from members of these and four other leukemic patients' families. The sera were tested for antibodies to leukemic antigens. Antibodies were present in one to three members of every family. Positive reactors most often were the mother or a sibling closest in age to the patient with leukemia. Antibodies were not found in control sera or in patients with leukemia. We interpret these findings to mean that exposure to leukemogenic viruses leads to the formation of antibodies in some and leukemia in others. Not all those who fail to develop demonstrable antibodies develop leukemia, which suggests that present techniques of demonstrating the antibodies may be inadequate. The absence of antibodies in patients with leukemia is, on the other hand, thought to be part of the disease syndrome.