A rare cancer-causing mutation in a sperm donor has led to at least 67 children being conceived, with 10 diagnosed with cancer. The case highlights concerns about the lack of internationally agreed limits on using donor sperm across different countries.
The mutation, found in the TP53 gene, was not known to be linked to cancer at the time of donation in 2008. However, analysis by a biologist from Rouen university hospital in France concluded that it likely causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a severe inherited predisposition to cancer.
Experts warn that tracing families affected by this mutation is complex due to its widespread use across eight European countries. A European Sperm Bank policy of limiting each donor to 75 families per child has been questioned after the discovery.
The bank’s spokesperson stated that detecting disease-causing mutations in genes is not currently possible without advanced testing and knowledge. However, they welcomed dialogue on setting internationally mandated family limits for donors.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/23/sperm-donor-cancer-risk-children-europe