Newshour Sperm with cancer-causing gene used to conceive almost 200 children
Dec 10, 2025
Jonathan Head, a BBC correspondent known for his insightful reporting from Thailand, dives deep into the alarming case of a sperm donor carrying a cancer-causing mutation who fathered nearly 200 children across Europe. He discusses the severe implications for these families, including detection challenges and regulation gaps in sperm donation. Additionally, Head provides a vivid account of the escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, highlighting the humanitarian crisis as thousands are displaced amidst military tensions.
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Undetected Germline Mutation Led To Widespread Risk
- A sperm donor unknowingly passed a rare pathogenic variant to many children across Europe, creating a large-scale hereditary cancer risk.
- Dr Edwidge Casper warns that surveillance protocols are crucial to improve affected children's survival rates.
Mother's Reaction After Clinic Warning
- Selim, a single mother in France, received a clinic call urging her daughter be screened after conception from the donor.
- She expressed frustration that she had been given sperm "that wasn't clean, that wasn't safe" despite not blaming the donor personally.
Syndrome Causes Early, Diverse Cancers
- The syndrome causes a broad tumour spectrum with very early onset, including childhood cancers and young adult breast cancer.
- Dr Edwidge Casper highlights its severity and varied manifestations across tissues.