NCT06819475 · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Imaging Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial OXPHOS Activity In Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors
What this study is about
The participants are being asked to take part in this trial, because the participant is a survivor of childhood cancer or agreed to be part of a volunteer group to understand the relation between cancer and cancer treatment and muscle weakness in survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). ALL is cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
View original scientific description
The participants are being asked to take part in this trial, because the participant is a survivor of childhood cancer or agreed to be part of a volunteer group to understand the relation between cancer and cancer treatment and muscle weakness in survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). ALL is cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Primary Objective • To compare muscle mtOXPHOS activity and satellite cell content among ALL survivors and controls. Secondary Objective * To evaluate the association between muscle mtOXPHOS, muscle satellite cell content and physical performance in ALL survivors. * To evaluate the association of muscle morphology and epigenetics with muscle mtOXPHOS in ALL survivors.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Non-invasive MRI will be used to measure the major muscle groups in the calf muscle mtOXPHOS in childhood survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in SJLIFE cohort and community controls and measure how muscle mitochondria produce energy to function.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Non-invasive MRS will be used to measure the major muscle groups in the calf muscle mtOXPHOS in childhood survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in SJLIFE cohort and community controls and measure how muscle mitochondria produce energy to function.
OTHER
Physical function assessment
As part of the SJLIFE visit in the Human Performance Lab, the participant's physical health will be assessed by testing muscle strength, physical function, and lean muscle mass.
OTHER
Peripheral blood sample
Peripheral blood sample will be used to evaluate muscle morphology, mitochondrial health and epigenetic differences in the muscles of survivors and age/sex-matched community controls.
OTHER
Skeletal muscle biopsy
Muscle biopsy will be used to evaluate muscle morphology, mitochondrial health and epigenetic differences in muscles of survivors and age/sex-matched community controls.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Muscle Ultrasound
Bilateral quadriceps and calf muscle ultrasound will be used to measure muscle volume by calculating the cross-sectional area using the Cavalieri method.
Primary outcome measures
To explore feasibility of MRI/MRS to measure OXPHOS capacity
Time frame: Baseline
Multimodal MR imaging will be performed in two appointments. The first appointment will consist of Part 1 (approximately 1 hour) and Part 2 (approximately 30 minutes). There will be a 5-10 minute break between the two parts. The second appointment will consist of Part 1 (approximately 1 hour).
To explore feasibility of 31P-MRS to measure OXPHOS capacity
Time frame: Baseline
This will be performed with a 7-cm diameter 1H/31P dual-tuned surface/volume coil using an unlocalized free induction decay (FID) sequence: number of points = 512, averages = 2-5, and TR = 2.4-5 seconds, with 4 dummy scans. TPCr is determined by fitting the signal intensity of PCr following plantar flexion exercise to a mono-exponential function. Additionally, we will acquire a steady state 31P-MR spectra for phosphorylated metabolite quantification (sec).
To explore feasibility of 1H-MRS to measure OXPHOS capacity
Time frame: Baseline
This will be performed on a Siemens 3T scanner using Point RESolved Spectroscopy (PRESS) 31 sequence. A water-suppressed 1H MR spectrum will be acquired from a voxel positioned in gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. 1H MRS data will be processed using LCModel providing the metabolite levels (mM).
To explore feasibility of CrCEST MRI to measure OXPHOS capacity
Time frame: Baseline
We will perform CrCEST MRI to map calf muscle Cr recovery kinetics (TCrCEST) following plantar flexion exercise (sec).
To explore feasibility of Fat Fraction MRI to measure OXPHOS capacity
Time frame: Baseline
We will perform Dixon MRI to quantify intramuscular fat fraction (IFF %) in the calf.
To explore feasibility of Muscle Ultrasound to measure OXPHOS capacity
Time frame: Baseline
Participants will lay supine with legs fully extended with their ankles stabilized in neutral. Customized templates will be strapped on the thigh and consist of five to eight 2-cm slices with a 1-cm gap between slices. Using transmission gel, a continuous, single view will be measured by transversely moving the probe across the thigh in approximately four seconds to acquire images of the rectus femoris (RF) and the vastus lateralis (VL), ensuring minimal pressure is applied to the skin to avoid muscle compression. Bilateral calf muscle CSA will be assessed in the same manner.
To explore feasibility of Muscle Biopsy to measure OXPHOS capacity
Time frame: Baseline
A vacuum-assisted biopsy device and ultrasound guidance will be used to obtain skeletal muscle samples. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with the patient in supine position. The needle will be inserted into the vastus lateralis, accessed through a 2-3 mm incision, under local anesthesia. When the needle is removed, a small section of muscle will remain with the needle. Two samples will be obtained during the procedure. One sample will be analyzed for satellite cell content and morphology. The second sample will be analyzed for mtDNA-CN and epigenetic profile.
To explore feasibility of mtDNA-CN to measure OXPHOS capacity
Time frame: Baseline
Peripheral blood samples will be drawn and analyzed for mtDNA-CN, metabolic and epigenetic profile and compared to the muscle sample.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
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 - 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
- Memphis, Tennessee
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations