Examining muscle function in survivors of childhood leukemia

Imaging Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial OXPHOS Activity In Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors

Not applicable Interventional St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NCT06819475

This study is trying to see how cancer treatment affects muscle strength and function in survivors of childhood leukemia compared to healthy kids.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Memphis, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT06819475 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between mitochondrial function and muscle weakness in survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It aims to compare muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (mtOXPHOS) activity and satellite cell content between ALL survivors and healthy controls. Participants will undergo non-invasive metabolic imaging using MRI and MRS, alongside physical function assessments and muscle biopsies. The study seeks to understand how cancer and its treatment may affect muscle health in these survivors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are survivors of childhood ALL or healthy volunteers with low muscle mass.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cranial radiation or those with implanted medical devices that interfere with MRI may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of muscle weakness in childhood cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on mtOXPHOS in ALL survivors, studies on muscle health in cancer survivors have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Survivor- or Control-Participant is age 18 years old or older at time of consent and enrolled in SJLIFE.
* Survivor- Participant is childhood ALL survivor
* Survivor- or Control Participant has low muscle mass as defined by relative lean mass z-score of less than or equal to -0.5 SD (lean mass divided by height in meters squared).
* Survivor- or Control-Participant is able and willing to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Survivor-Participant has history of cranial radiation.
* Survivor- or Control-Participant has implanted medical devices or metal that would interfere with MRI or MRS
* Female Survivor- or Control-Participant is pregnant.
* Survivor- or Control-Participant is taking anticoagulants (e.g. aspirin, apixaban, coumadin, edoxaban, rivaroxaban)
* Survivor- or Control-Participant weighs more than 300 pounds.
* Survivor- or Control-Participant is allergic to local anesthetic (i.e., lidocaine, bupivacaine).
* Survivor- or Control-Participant cannot lie flat on his/her back for 90 minutes or longer
* Survivor- or Control-Participant has a current history of peripheral motor neuropathy.

Where this trial is running

Memphis, Tennessee

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Childhood CancerMuscle WeaknessSurvivorAcute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaAdultALLHealthy Volunteer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.