Understanding why some children with ALL have more side effects from methotrexate and how it affects their health
Official title: Project 2: Understanding population disparities in methotrexate neurotoxicity and its impact on short- and long-term adverse outcomes among children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11420843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at why Latino children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia experience more neurotoxicity from methotrexate and how that affects their short- and long-term outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $68,741 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA302464-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly Latino and admixed-ancestry patients who are receiving methotrexate.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving methotrexate or those outside the Latino/admixed ancestry focus may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The research aims to identify factors that drive disparities in methotrexate-related neurotoxicity among Latino children with ALL. It will examine clinical characteristics, disease features, and socioeconomic factors to understand why some patients are at higher risk. The team plans to explore genetic ancestry and pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics to explain differences in drug response. By understanding these factors, the study seeks to inform strategies that minimize toxicity while preserving leukemia control. The project will involve data collection and analyses across pediatric ALL patients treated with methotrexate to identify modifiable contributors to adverse outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to more personalized treatment plans that reduce neurotoxicity and improve survival for Latino children with ALL.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows racial/ethnic disparities exist in ALL outcomes and chemotherapy toxicity, but this study aims to deepen understanding of MTX-related neurotoxicity disparities specifically in Latino youth.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Austin L — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Brown, Austin L
Related research
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Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
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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.