Investigating the link between cytomegalovirus and childhood leukemia
Official title: Cytomegalovirus as an etiologic and clinico-pathogenic factor in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11144293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being infected with a virus called neonatal cytomegalovirus (nCMV) might raise the chances of kids developing a type of cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and it’s for families who want to understand more about the possible links between this virus and leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 21, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $676,777 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA268494-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly those with a history of neonatal cytomegalovirus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have acute lymphoblastic leukemia or who were not exposed to neonatal cytomegalovirus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how neonatal cytomegalovirus (nCMV) infection may increase the risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. By analyzing a large group of cases and controls, the study aims to identify the relationship between nCMV and ALL, including how it may influence the genetic makeup of leukemia tumors. The researchers will also consider other factors such as birth weight and parental age to provide a comprehensive view of the risk factors involved. This could lead to new insights into prevention strategies for this common childhood cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for childhood leukemia, potentially reducing the incidence of this disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested a strong link between neonatal cytomegalovirus infection and childhood leukemia, indicating that this research builds on promising preliminary findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiemels, Joseph Leo — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Wiemels, Joseph Leo
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.
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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.
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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.