New research carried out in Britain suggests some types of leukaemia could be hereditary.

Scientists working for the Cancer Research Campaign have pinpointed a gene -- known as ATM -- which is thought to be responsible for some of the most common forms of the disease in adults.

The scientists say the fact that they had been able to isolate the specific gene and show it could run in families was a major step forward.

They said it meant researchers could start looking for new ways to repair the defective gene and ultimately prevent certain types of blood cancer developing.