age-related clonal hematopoiesis

Age-related clonal hematopoiesis (ARCH) is a precancerous condition. It is marked by a slow, clonal expansion of blood stem cells that have acquired specific genetic changes. These genetic variants are disruptive and happen repeatedly in affected people. While there is no clear diagnosis of blood cancer in people with ARCH, this condition is linked to an increased risk of developing hematologic cancers in the future. The expansion of these altered blood stem cells is gradual and can occur as part of aging.

Information about symptoms is currently limited for this condition.

Age-related clonal hematopoiesis is caused by the clonal expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that have acquired specific, disruptive, and recurrent genetic variants. These genetic alterations, which are not linked to a clear diagnosis of blood cancers at the time of detection, are thought to be related to aging. Detailed information about additional causes or risk factors is not available.

Information about treatment is currently limited for this condition.

Age-related clonal hematopoiesis is associated with an increased risk of developing blood cancers. However, more detailed information on the progression or long-term outlook for people with this condition is not available.

Information about current research and potential future directions is limited for this condition. Ongoing studies are working to better understand the genetic changes and how they contribute to the increased risk of cancer.