Metabolic profiling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Metabolic Profiling of Leukemic Cells Through Isotope Tracing in Patients With CLL

Observational University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT04785989

This study is trying to understand how cancer cells in people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia use different fuels to see if it can help find new ways to treat the disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT04785989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the metabolic characteristics of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by analyzing the fuel preferences and metabolic dependencies of leukemic lymphocytes. Utilizing a 'top-down' approach, the study will employ metabolic tracing techniques with isotopically labeled glucose and glutamine to uncover metabolic vulnerabilities in CLL. The goal is to fill the existing knowledge gap regarding cancer cell metabolism in the human body, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for treatment. Participants will include adults with varying stages of CLL, both treatment-naïve and with specific disease burdens.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, either with low or high disease burden, who are treatment-naïve.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diabetes or those on carbohydrate-restricting diets may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could identify new metabolic targets for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, potentially leading to more effective therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While metabolic profiling in cancer is an emerging field, this specific approach to studying CLL metabolism is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Group A

* Adult (18 years of age or older)
* No previous history of cancer
* Routine history of normal blood counts and vital signs
* Documented Informed Consent

Group B

* Adult (18 years of age or older)
* Diagnosis of CLL with low disease burden defined as Rai stage 0 ((Lymphocytosis; no enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen, or liver; red blood cell and platelet counts are near normal.)
* Treatment naïve
* Documented Informed Consent

Group C

* Adult (18 years of age or older)
* Diagnosis of CLL with high systemic disease burden defined as infiltration of bone marrow causing cytopenia
* Treatment naïve
* Able/willing to have bone marrow aspiration
* Documented Informed Consent

Exclusion Criteria:

For all participants

* Prisoners
* Psychiatric inpatients or people who are institutionalized
* Minor (Less than 18 years of age)
* History of diabetes
* Cannot be on antihyperglycemic therapy
* Carbohydrate restricting diets: Atkins, Vegan, Ketogenic, etc.
* Females of child bearing potential
* Persons without decision-making capacity
* Person who cannot read/write English
* Not meeting inclusion criteria defined above

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

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 Chronic Lymphocytic LeukemiaCell metabolic tracingLeukemic lymphocytesFuel preference
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.