Team tracks changes in height, weight in pediatric ALL

Males had significantly higher median height z scores than females in weeks 96 and 120 of therapy (P≤0.009 for both time points).

And white patients had higher median height z scores than black patients at 2 to 4 years after treatment ended (P≤0.027 for all time points).

Implications

To address the issue of excess weight gain in ALL patients, the researchers suggested early interventions, such as education about proper diet and exercise.

“When you look at the literature of childhood obesity prevention for the general population, there are interventions that could also help ALL patients,” said study author Emily Browne, of St. Jude.

“But we need to adapt those recommendations to take the cancer therapy into account.”

For the issue of height, the researchers recommended evaluating certain patients for growth hormone deficiency.

The team also noted that further study is needed to determine whether emerging therapeutic approaches can reduce toxicities without compromising antileukemic effects.

“We are hoping new therapeutic options can decrease intensity of chemotherapy and keep normal tissues intact,” Dr. Inaba said. “But until then, we’re collaborating with multiple clinical departments to help ensure a good, quality cure and a good quality of life in survivorship.”

This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization of St. Jude.