Improving survival in children with leukemia by addressing obesity
Official title: Targeting obesity to improve survival from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-10686220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $669,866 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA252236-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10686220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or who are not obese may not receive any benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orgel, Etan — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Orgel, Etan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Using short-term diet and activity changes to help children with B‑cell leukemia respond better to treatment
A program of calorie, fat, and sugar restriction plus physical activity during initial chemotherapy aims to help children with B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia respond better to induction treatment.
-
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.
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.