RUNX1 and cancer: In recent years, a major focus of molecular cancer research has been the analysis of genes that may be the cause of carcinogenesis (oncogenes).17 Multiple chromosomal and gene rearrangements have been identified in AML, such as MLL, PML/RARA, DEK/CAN, and AML1/ETO18 Chromosomal rearrangements involving the MLL gene at band 11q23 are the most common genetic alteration encountered in infant acute myeloid leukemia.