Radiation and Heat and Childhood Leukemia in Kids
Official title: RHeCALL: Radiation and Heat in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11436968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether exposure to heat and sunlight in early childhood is linked to childhood leukemia and related genetic changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $440,505 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA317474-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11436968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or those at risk due to early-life environmental exposures.
✕Less likely to help
Children without exposure or disease history related to ALL may not experience direct benefits, though the knowledge could still inform future research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how early-life heat and UV exposure might influence the development of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the genetic changes seen in patients. Researchers will analyze environmental exposure data and molecular information from children with ALL to see if there are patterns that connect heat or UV exposure to the disease. The study is designed to identify potential pathways that could lead to prevention or earlier detection in kids who may be at risk. Participation would involve analyzing samples and exposure histories to uncover possible links. While the focus is on understanding causes, it could pave the way for strategies to reduce risk in future children diagnosed with ALL.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better prevention and screening strategies for childhood ALL and inform recommendations to limit harmful environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has hinted at links between environmental factors and ALL, but direct molecular evidence from exposed children is limited and this study aims to fill that gap.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schraw, Jeremy — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Schraw, Jeremy
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.