SOUTHAMPTON scientists have played a part in developing a way to predict whether or not someone will develop a common type of leukaemia based on their genetics. Researchers studied blood samples of patients with the most common type of blood cancer, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), and found some had a "genetic tendency" to develop progressive forms of the illness. The team, from eight universities and the Institute for Cancer Research, said their work could see prospective patients being warned in the future that they also possess the genetic make-up which could lead to developing progressive CLL. Such patients could be given a personalised treatment process before the illness takes effect.