Introduction We have previously observed that Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly higher in patients who have completed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than in control population. In this study the effect of anti-cancer therapy on plasma leptin (hormone regulating energy homeostasis) and leptin soluble receptor (sOB-R) levels in children with ALL was determined.

Materials and Methods A group of 82 patients (mean age 13,8+/−5 years) who have completed ALL therapy were included to the study. Patients were treated according to subsequent revisions of BFM (69 patients) and New York (13 patients) regimens. The mean age at diagnosis was 5,3+/−3,2 years, and the mean time from completion of therapy was 7,4+/−2,8 years. Leptin and leptin soluble receptor plasma levels were determined with ELISA. Patients were qualified to the groups using BMI and references values of this parameter specific for age, sex and growth (obese patients 22, lean subjects 60).

Results The mean value of leptin level in patients with obesity was higher than in patients with normal weight (34,4 ng/ml vs. 11,5 ng/ml; p<0,005). The reverse relation was observed for leptin soluble receptor. In patients with normal weight sOB-R values were higher (21,2 ng/ml vs. 17,38 ng/ml; p<0,005).

Conclusion Obesity observed in survivors of ALL can be related to leptin and leptin soluble receptor levels.

Study sponsored by Nutritia Research Foundation.