• Ten children developed cancer linked to a rare genetic mutation from the same sperm donor.
• The donor’s sperm was used by at least 67 families across Europe.
• Experts call for limits on the number of children conceived per donor to reduce genetic risks.

Ten children from different families developed serious cancers after being conceived using sperm from the same donor. These cancers include leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and other rare types. The families noticed a disturbing pattern when their children fell ill. This discovery has raised concerns about sperm donor safety and genetic risks.

Families Connect Cancer Cases to a Rare Genetic Mutation

The connection started when two families reached out to fertility clinics after their children were diagnosed with cancers linked to a rare genetic mutation. These families wanted answers. Researchers then investigated the cases together. A recent report from The Guardian on May 23 shared these findings. A French biologist, Dr. Edwige Kasper, presented the case at a genetics conference in Milan the next day.

Mutation in Donor’s Sperm Increases Cancer Risk

Testing revealed that the donor’s sperm carried a rare mutation in a gene called TP53. This gene normally protects against cancer by fixing DNA damage. The mutation causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of many cancers. The mutation appeared in some of the sperm used to conceive children from at least 67 families.

Twenty-Three Children Show Genetic Variant, Ten Diagnosed With Cancer

Further research found the mutation in 23 children conceived using this donor’s sperm. Out of these, 10 children have already been diagnosed with cancer. These cases involve different types of cancers, mostly blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The European Sperm Bank confirmed these numbers but did not give exact details due to privacy policies.

European Sperm Bank Alerted Fertility Clinics Across Europe

The European Sperm Bank, which recruits donors mainly from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, informed all fertility clinics involved once they learned about the mutation. They also confirmed that the donor’s sperm resulted in at least 67 births. A spokesperson for the bank, Julie Paulli Budtz, said the company feels deeply affected by the case and takes it seriously.

Testing Could Not Detect Mutation at Time of Donation

The donation took place in 2008. At that time, experts did not know that the mutation caused cancer. Standard screening tests could not find it. Even with today’s advanced testing, some mutations can remain hidden if scientists do not know what to look for. The donor himself remains healthy and shows no signs of illness.

Experts Urge Limits on Number of Children per Donor

Dr. Kasper argues for limits on how many children one donor can father. She says this case proves the dangers when many births come from one man with a harmful genetic mutation. Europe currently lacks uniform rules on donor limits. The European Sperm Bank sets a maximum of 75 families per donor but admits this may be too high.

Calls for International Rules on Donor Family Limits

The sperm bank supports creating international laws to limit how many families use sperm from a single donor. Budtz said they have pushed for this change before and welcome continued discussion. The goal is to protect children and families from genetic diseases spreading widely through sperm donation.

Genetic Screening Alone Cannot Prevent All Risks

Although genetic screening improves safety, Kasper warns that full genome testing for every donor is not practical. Still, it is crucial to monitor donors and restrict the number of births per donor. The risk of spreading genetic diseases rises as more children come from one source. Kasper said, “Not every man has 75 children across Europe,” pointing to the abnormal scale of this case.

Conclusion: Safety Measures Needed in Sperm Donation

This case highlights serious concerns about sperm donation safety. Ten children suffering from cancer due to one donor’s mutation is alarming. Fertility clinics, sperm banks, and regulators must work together. They need better limits and testing to prevent genetic risks. Families deserve transparency and protection from inherited diseases. This story may push Europe to create stronger rules and safeguards in sperm donation.