Obesity Plays Adverse Role in AYAs’ Response to ALL Treatment Regimens

Among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), those who are overweight or obese have lower survival rates, according to a new study. The data, published in Blood Advances (2023 Jul 11. doi:10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009976), are concerning, especially given the growing public health threat of obesity.

“We have known for roughly 15 years that obesity affects survival in pediatric patients treated for ALL, and more recently, we are recognizing