The view of paediatric cancer as a genetic disease arises as genetic research develops. Germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes have been identified in about 10% of children. Paediatric cancers are characterized by heterogeneity in the types of genetic alterations that drive tumourigenesis. Interactions between germline and somatic mutations are a key determinant of cancer development. In 40% of patients, the family history does not predict the presence of inherited cancer predisposition syndromes and many cases go undetected. Paediatricians should be aware of specific symptoms, which highlight the need of evaluation for cancer syndromes. The quickest possible identification of such syndromes is of key importance, due to the possibility of early detection of neoplasms, followed by presymptomatic genetic testing of relatives, implementation of appropriate clinical procedures (e.g., avoiding radiotherapy), prophylactic surgical resection of organs at risk, or searching for donors of hematopoietic stem cells. Targetable driver mutations and corresponding signalling pathways provide a novel precision medicine strategy.Therefore, there is a need for multi-disciplinary cooperation between a paediatrician, an oncologist, a geneticist, and a psychologist during the surveillance of families with an increased cancer risk. This review aimed to emphasize the role of cancer-predisposition gene diagnostics in the genetic surveillance and medical care in paediatric oncology.
In recent years genetically modified plants have become a subject of discussion not only among scientists but among consumers and politicians as well. This is a controversial issue, mainly due to the conflicting information appearing in the media concerning the properties of these plants, their impact on human health, and how they function in the natural environment. A survey was conducted to learn the opinions of students of Lublin universities regarding the cultivation and applications of genetically modified crops. The students surveyed claim to be familiar with issues associated with GMOs and express a desire to learn more about the subject, although their main sources of information are the Internet and television. They also perceive the need for the government to conduct a reliable information campaign on this subject. Their opinions on GMO plants are ambivalent; they have concerns about the cultivation and use of GMO plants, but also perceive the benefits that this biotechnology could provide.
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