Postponement of Murine Radiogenic Leukemia by Manipulation of the Preleukemic State

Summary The same radiation dose which enhances leukemogenesis if delivered to an unirradiated mouse counteracts leukemia development if given to a previously irradiated but not yet leukemic mouse. This indicates that the preleukemic interval between recovery from acute radiation injury and overt malignancy is radiosensitive and that it involves changes other than mere immune suppression. The theoretical optimum conditions of such manipulation are discussed, as well as its implications for the prophylaxis of radiogenic leukemia.