A sperm donor with a rare cancer-causing genetic mutation has fathered nearly 200 children across 14 European countries, sparking concerns about the welfare of these young people. The man, identified as Donor 7069, carries a mutation in the TP53 gene, which codes for a protein that prevents cells from dividing uncontrollably.
As a result, many of his children are at risk of developing deadly cancers, including brain, blood, bone, and breast cancer. According to researchers, those who carry this mutation have up to a 90% chance of developing cancer by age 60, and half develop cancer by age 40.
The investigation found that the donor was unaffected by the condition but had the mutation present in around 20% of his sperm. The children conceived using his sperm are being monitored for signs of cancer, with some having already developed the disease.
One researcher, French oncologist Edwige Kasper, presented her findings at a genetics conference, revealing that 67 children were conceived using the same donor and had been diagnosed with cancers related to the TP53 mutation. These cases have raised concerns about the need for early monitoring and screening to increase the chances of survival for these young people.
It is estimated that only 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 20,000 individuals carry this type of genetic mutation, making the impact of Donor 7069's actions all the more significant. The investigation has led to calls for greater oversight and regulation of sperm banks to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.
The full extent of Donor 7069's children is likely higher than identified, but researchers are working to identify and contact all those affected in order to provide them with access to critical monitoring and screening. As one researcher noted, "It’s crucial that we get this information out there and make sure these young people can access the care they need."
As a result, many of his children are at risk of developing deadly cancers, including brain, blood, bone, and breast cancer. According to researchers, those who carry this mutation have up to a 90% chance of developing cancer by age 60, and half develop cancer by age 40.
The investigation found that the donor was unaffected by the condition but had the mutation present in around 20% of his sperm. The children conceived using his sperm are being monitored for signs of cancer, with some having already developed the disease.
One researcher, French oncologist Edwige Kasper, presented her findings at a genetics conference, revealing that 67 children were conceived using the same donor and had been diagnosed with cancers related to the TP53 mutation. These cases have raised concerns about the need for early monitoring and screening to increase the chances of survival for these young people.
It is estimated that only 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 20,000 individuals carry this type of genetic mutation, making the impact of Donor 7069's actions all the more significant. The investigation has led to calls for greater oversight and regulation of sperm banks to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.
The full extent of Donor 7069's children is likely higher than identified, but researchers are working to identify and contact all those affected in order to provide them with access to critical monitoring and screening. As one researcher noted, "It’s crucial that we get this information out there and make sure these young people can access the care they need."
... like, what was he thinking? Just donating his sperm to random women without even knowing if it could hurt them? 
It's not just a matter of chance, either - those genetic mutations are super rare for a reason! 
And now we're dealing with potentially deadly cancers, brain damage, the whole nine yards... it's crazy. 
I mean, what kind of sick person does that to innocent kids who didn't ask for it? 
We need way more regulation on sperm banks and stricter testing before anyone can donate their gametes. Like, this guy was basically playing a genetic roulette game and the consequences are devastating... 
... it's all so frustrating.
. They need access to the best care possible, ASAP. And what about all the other parents out there who might not know they've got a kid with this mutation? It's like, what even is the point of having regulations if nobody's enforcing them?! 
. And I'm all for it - early monitoring and screening would be a huge step in the right direction 
.
. I'm all for helping people, but not at the expense of others' lives, you feel? 
.
.
anyway its kinda sad that these kids are already struggling and need to be monitored all the time. But at the same time, kudos to the researchers who are on top of this and trying to help these kids get the care they need ASAP 
it just goes to show how fragile life is, how one small mistake can have huge consequences...
The fact that only 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 20,000 people carry this mutation makes it even more shocking. I think the government and health orgs need to step up and make sure these kids get the care they need ASAP! 
. Greater oversight and regulation of sperm banks gotta be a priority, IMHO 
.