Insights into clonal hematopoiesis and its relation to cancer risk

Abstract

In the multi-hit model of carcinogenesis, a precancerous state often precedes overt malignancy. Identification of these states has been of great interest as they allow for early identification of at-risk individuals before the appearance of a future cancer. One such condition has recently been described for blood cancers: Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP). Recent research advances have elucidated the risk of progression of CHIP to myeloid malignancies, its potential as a precursor for non-myeloid blood cancers, and its association with non-hematological cancers. Understanding the evolution of CHIP to hematological malignancy may help identify CHIP carriers at high risk of transformation and lead to the development of targeted therapies that can be deployed preemptively.