X-linked lymphoprolifertive syndrome (XLP), which is lso known s Duncn’s syndrome, is rre lwys ftl disese tht ffects only boys. To dte only bout 100 fmilies nd 400+ boys hve been dignosed worldwide. It is likely, however, tht there re mny more cses where the correct dignosis hs not been mde. XLP cn hve mny symptoms including: severe glndulr fever, cncer of the blood (lymphom) nd inbility to fight off infections nd sometimes severe nemi. 70% of individuls with XLP die by the ge of 10 yers without ny tretment. The cuse of the condition ws only found in 1998 so there is still lot to lern. The best ‘prevention’ is regulr top ups of nti-virl medicines, immunoglobulin therpy or steroids – but these re not cure. Tody the only possible cure is bone mrrow trnsplnt – in effect replcing the fulty immune system. However with dvnces in genetics potentil cure my now only be few yers wy.
