Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia genetics around the world
Genomics of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium
This project compares inherited genetic differences in children with and without acute lymphoblastic leukemia across many countries to learn who is at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11407900 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect genetic samples (for example, blood or saliva) and medical information from children with ALL and from comparison groups across many countries. They will scan the whole genome to find common inherited differences and create polygenic risk scores to see how genetic patterns relate to who develops ALL. The work combines existing data from the Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium with new samples from under-studied regions such as south/southeast/east Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding these genetic patterns may explain differences in ALL rates by ancestry and suggest markers to find high-risk children earlier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, survivors, and children from diverse ancestral backgrounds may be eligible to provide genetic samples or medical data through participating consortium sites.
Not a fit: Because this is genetic and epidemiologic research rather than a treatment trial, participants should not expect direct therapeutic benefit or immediate changes to their care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify inherited genetic markers that help predict which children are more likely to develop ALL and guide earlier monitoring or prevention research.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genome-wide studies have already found over 15 genetic variants linked to childhood B‑cell ALL and shown that polygenic risk scores can separate higher- and lower-risk groups, though many global populations remain understudied.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spector, Logan G. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Spector, Logan G.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.