Extended Overweight or Obesity During Pediatric Leukemia Treatment Predicts Poorer Outcomes

Recent research reveals a significant link between the duration of overweight or obesity during treatment and the prognosis of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study, conducted by a collaborative team from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, indicates that children who maintain an elevated body mass index (BMI) throughout their therapy face higher risks of relapse and decreased overall survival.

The investigation, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 794 children enrolled in a clinical trial between 2005 and 2011. Researchers tracked BMI fluctuations using medical records, finding that at diagnosis, nearly 30% of patients were overweight or obese, and this proportion increased to nearly 50% by the end of treatment. Notably, children who were classified as overweight or obese at two or more points during their therapy experienced worse outcomes compared to those with only one or no instances of elevated BMI.

"While previous studies have focused on long-term complications of obesity after leukemia treatment, our study emphasizes the immediate impact of being overweight or obese during therapy on survival and relapse risks," said Dr. Kara Kelly. "The findings highlight the importance of managing weight during treatment to improve clinical outcomes."

The research underscores the concept that modifiable risk factors such as overweight and obesity are crucial targets for intervention. Addressing weight issues proactively could reduce relapse rates and enhance survival chances. Dr. Elena Ladas from Columbia University emphasized that evolving obesity treatment strategies and integrated nutritional therapies could greatly benefit children undergoing leukemia treatment.

Dr. Kelly and Dr. Yao recommend that healthcare providers work closely with children and families to prevent or manage overweight and obesity during therapy. Interventions aimed at maintaining a healthy weight throughout treatment could play a vital role in improving prognosis. The study employed a prospective cohort design, analyzing medical records to assess the relationship between BMI trajectories and leukemia outcomes.

In conclusion, prolonged overweight and obesity during pediatric leukemia therapy are associated with a greater risk of relapse and lower survival rates, reinforcing the need for comprehensive weight management strategies as part of childhood cancer care.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-duration-overweight-obesity-treatment-linked.html