Targeting obesity to improve survival for children with ALL
Official title: Targeting obesity to improve survival from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11474567 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach explores whether reducing obesity-related factors can make chemotherapy work better for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $934,614 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA252236-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11474567 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and young adults diagnosed with B-ALL, especially those with obesity at diagnosis or obesity-related chemoresistance risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those not following the CFGR approach may see no added benefit beyond standard therapy.
What this research studies
This grant examines how obesity influences treatment response in pediatric B-ALL and tests whether diet and activity changes can reverse chemotherapy resistance. It combines clinical observations with laboratory studies to understand mechanisms, including the role of insulin and adiponectin. The goal is to integrate effective weight-management strategies into induction therapy to improve outcomes for children with obesity and those at risk. Results could lead to more personalized care that considers body weight and metabolism during treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve cure rates and reduce relapse for children with obesity-related ALL by making chemotherapy more effective.
How similar studies have gone: Prior early-phase work suggests that calorie, fat, and glucose restriction may reverse obesity-induced chemoresistance, with promising reductions in MRD.
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.
-
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.
-
Improving survival in children with leukemia by addressing obesity
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.
-
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.