How fat tissue affects the aggressiveness of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Official title: Adipose Tissue Reprograms Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells to Facilitate CNS and Bone Invasion
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11064040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how body fat might make acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) tougher to treat and spread more easily, and it’s testing a current treatment to see if it can help ALL patients who also have obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,003 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA289085-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially those who are also dealing with obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are not obese or do not have significant adipose tissue may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of adipose tissue in making acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) more aggressive and harder to treat. It explores how fat tissue influences the expression of a protein called RANKL in leukemia cells, which may lead to increased invasion into the central nervous system and bones. The study involves experiments in mouse models and clinical samples to understand the mechanisms at play and tests an existing FDA-approved treatment to see if it can improve outcomes for ALL patients. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to identify new strategies for managing ALL in patients with obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly those affected by obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between obesity and cancer aggressiveness, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mittelman, Steven David — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Mittelman, Steven David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across diverse populations
A large international study will look at why children everywhere get acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how genetics may influence risk.
-
Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
A research effort at West Virginia University is exploring a combination therapy for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using targeted gene silencing and a small-molecule compound to improve treatment in patients.
-
Understanding why Latino children have a higher risk of childhood ALL
This project looks at why Latino children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia and whether genetic ancestry plays a role, with the goal of improving prevention and outcomes.
-
Targeting obesity to improve survival for children with ALL
A new approach explores whether reducing obesity-related factors can make chemotherapy work better for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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.