Investigating how genetic ancestry affects the risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Latino children
Official title: Exploring the Impact of Genetic Ancestry on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Risk in Latino Populations
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10983728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes might affect the risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in Latino children, so we can better understand why this group is more affected and improve prevention and treatment options just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,774 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA278359-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Latino children diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, as well as healthy Latino children for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Latino or who are over the age of 20 may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the genetic factors that contribute to the risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) specifically in Latino populations. By employing advanced gene discovery techniques, the study will analyze genetic data from a large group of Latino children diagnosed with ALL compared to healthy controls. The goal is to identify how different ancestral backgrounds influence the likelihood of developing this type of leukemia, which has been shown to have higher incidence and poorer outcomes in Latino children. This research will also enhance methods for studying genetic risks in diverse populations, potentially leading to more tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Latino children, potentially resulting in better outcomes and targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that genetic ancestry can influence cancer risk, but this specific focus on Latino populations and ALL is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langie, Jalen — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Langie, Jalen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.