Molecular epidemiology of therapy-related leukemias.

Over the past 5 years, the field of molecular epidemiology has come of age. Identifying environmental carcinogens and developing methods of dosimetry measurements, which are linked to measures of DNA damage, oncogene activation, and cancer incidence, have opened new avenues of research into cancer causation and prevention. This review summarizes elements of this exciting field, focuses on studies on the etiology of therapy-related leukemias, and suggests potential strategies for its prevention.