Improving survival in children with leukemia by addressing obesity

Targeting obesity to improve survival from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

NIH-funded research Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-10686220

This study is looking at how being overweight might impact the success of leukemia treatment in kids and is testing a special diet and exercise plan to help improve their chances of recovery and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10686220 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how obesity affects the treatment outcomes of children diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). It explores a dietary intervention that combines calorie, fat, and glucose restriction, along with physical activity, to potentially reverse obesity-related chemotherapy resistance. The study aims to integrate this intervention into standard treatment regimens for pediatric B-ALL, with the goal of improving survival rates and reducing the risk of relapse. By understanding the physiological changes associated with obesity and chemotherapy, the research seeks to enhance treatment efficacy for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are also classified as obese at the time of diagnosis.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or who are not obese may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates for children with leukemia who are also dealing with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown promising results with similar dietary interventions in reversing chemotherapy resistance, indicating potential for success in this research.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions child with cancerchildren with cancerpediatric cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.