The Epigenetic Influence of Breastfeeding on Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: An Innovative Approach to Chronic Disease Prevention

Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, with an etiology involving genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. Breastfeeding has been proposed as an epigenetic modulator that may influence susceptibility to this disease. This study reviewed current literature on the relationship between breastfeeding and epigenetic modifications associated with ALL prevention. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in biomedical databases (PubMed, BVS, Science Direct, Scopus, and Embase) for studies published between 2018 and 2024. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cohort studies, and clinical trials examining the relationship between breastfeeding, epigenetics, and ALL were included. Studies that did not specifically address this interaction were excluded. Results: Ten relevant studies were identified, showing that breastfeeding influences epigenetic regulation through microRNA modulation, DNA methylation, and immunomodulatory factors. These mechanisms may reduce ALL susceptibility by enhancing immune response and modifying gene expression in hematopoietic cells. However, methodological heterogeneity limits the standardization of findings. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that breastfeeding plays a key role in the epigenetic prevention of ALL. However, longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and their long-term clinical impact.