Cancer researchers have made a new discovery that they say could stop children from developing leukemia.
The Australian study found a connection between a person's cancer risk and the function of certain molecules within their bodies.
Their findings could be applied to other cancers and diseases.
"We don't use the term lightly - but it is a revolutionary discovery," said co-author Simon Conn from Flinders University in Adelaide.
Scientists have known for decades that external factors like smoking and drinking can lead to cancer.
But now Conn and his wife Vanessa have identified an internal factor, a genetic molecule, known as circular RNA. They found that when someone has a lot of these, they can mutate and turn into certain types of cancers.
Conn said this is the first example of a genetic molecule present within many of us that has the capacity to mutate our very own DNA and drive cancer from inside.
"If we can detect them early enough before a patient actually enters the cancer stage, then absolutely if we can destroy these molecules we can stop that person from ever having had cancer," said Conn.
The study compared samples from newborn babies who went on to develop acute leukemia to those who didn't, finding high levels of circular RNA prior to the onset of cancer.
"This opens the door to use these molecules as new therapeutic targets and markers of disease at a very early stage, when the likelihood of curing cancers is much higher," said Conn.
RNA expert and cancer researcher Sarah Diermeier from Otago University said it's a game-changer.
"It's new potential to detect it before it starts, detect it early and treat it potentially before it starts. It is really fantastic to see that someone has made such a big leap in the field."
A leap that has the Cancer Society's Melanie McConnell's feeling hopeful too.
"Definitely the possibility we'd be able to screen to find the kids that will potentially come down with leukemia," she said.
She said it could also result in less chemotherapy being needed.
"If we could screen and reduce treatment intensity, then we could limit the amount of damage done to these developing brains," said McConnell.
And it could extend beyond leukemia, and even beyond cancer.
"We also have evidence that not only will this benefit cancer, but other human diseases where these particular changes can take place," said Conn.
The next step for researchers is to develop a simple test that can be used to detect the circular RNAs, and then they can try to figure out how to destroy them.
What could help is the molecule's similarity to the COVID-19 virus.
"We're getting quite good at stopping COVID-19, so we're very confident we'll be able to stop these molecules as well."
"Prevention of these molecules acting might be a little way down the track, but it's absolutely possible," said McConnell.
A possibility that cancer researchers say could save thousands of lives.
