Laron syndrome: The Ecuadorians that might hold the key to treating cancer - BBC World Service

People with Laron syndrome rarely grow beyond 1.2m due to a genetic mutation that limits the body’s growth.

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Globally, only 840 people are known to have the condition - most of whom live in southern Ecuador. Living with Laron syndrome can be challenging, but this small community has attracted the attention of researchers due to one unexpected advantage - a lower incidence of cancer and diabetes. Doctors suggest their unique genetic makeup could provide clues on how to prevent and treat age-related illnesses in the wider population.

00:00 Living with Laron Syndrome in Ecuador
00:55 Meet twins Maria Luisa and Maria del Swan Romero
01:27 What is Laron syndrome, explained by the Romero twins
03:31 Meet Luis Antonio Sánchez
5:20 What causes Laron syndrome: the medical explanation
6:18 The paradox of Laron syndrome: less cancer and diabetes
07:14 What the treatment is like
07:40 Prejudices and challenges: testimonies of what it is like to live with the disease
08:21 Meet Paola Boada
10:30 Access to treatment for children and adolescents: the case of Sara Espinoza
12:50 Dealing with the diagnosis: Meet Camila and her family

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