Overweight and Obesity as Prognostic Factors for Survival in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: Mexico City has one of the highest incidences and mortality rates of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the world and a high frequency of early relapses (17%) and early mortality (15%). Otherwise, childhood overweight and obesity are reaching epidemic proportions. They have been associated with poor outcomes in children with ALL. The aim of present study is to identify if overweight and obesity are prognostic factors associated with survival rates in Mexican children with ALL. Methods: Multicenter cohort study. ALL children younger than 15 years old are included and followed-up. Overweight and obesity are classified according World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. Deaths and relapses are the main outcomes.