Muscle Aging Phenotypes in Childhood Cancer Survivors (NCT07531498) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Muscle Aging Phenotypes in Childhood Cancer Survivors
United States533 participantsStarted 2026-10-01
Plain-language summary
Childhood cancer survivors experience premature declines in muscle mass, strength, and physical function that contribute to morbidity and early mortality. The biological mechanisms driving these impairments are heterogeneous and poorly understood. This observational study aims to characterize distinct muscle health endotypes in adult survivors of childhood cancer using advanced imaging, neuromuscular testing, and functional assessment. Survivors with reduced muscle health and community controls will undergo multimodal magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, nerve conduction studies, surface electromyography, body composition assessment, and physical performance testing during a single study visit integrated into an ongoing cohort evaluation. Identifying mechanistic endotypes of impaired muscle health will support development of targeted interventions to preserve function and improve long-term outcomes in childhood cancer survivors.
Primary Objective:
\- Characterize reduced muscle health endotypes in childhood cancer survivors.
Secondary Objective:
\- Identify specific treatment and lifestyle related risk factors for each reduced muscle health endotype.
Exploratory Objective:
\- Host germline genetics will be associated with specific muscle endotypes.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 18 years old or older at time of consent and enrolled in SJLIFE.
* Participant (100 per group for a total of 400) is/has:
* Group 1: No cancer history
* Group 2: Age and sex specific relative lean mass z-score of less than -0.5 OR age and sex specific hand grip or isokinetic (60 degrees/sec) quadriceps strength z-score of \<-0.5 AND exposure to a peripheral neurotoxin.
* Group 3: Age and sex specific relative lean mass z-score of less than -0.5 OR age and sex specific hand grip or isokinetic (60 degrees/sec) quadriceps strength z-score of \<-0.5 AND NOT exposed to a peripheral neurotoxin.
* Group 4: Age and sex specific relative lean mass z-score of less than -0.5 AND age and sex specific hand grip strength or isokinetic (60 degrees/sec) quadriceps strength z-score of \<-0.5 REGARDLESS of exposure status.
* Participant or legal guardian is able and willing to give informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of implanted medical devices or metal that would interfere with MRI or MRS.
* Female Participant is pregnant.
* Body weight exceeding 300 pounds, due to MRI restrictions.
* Inability to lie flat on his/her back for 90 minutes or longer for MRI.
* Inability or unwillingness of research participant or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) at rest and Electromyography (EMG) during submaximal and maximal force generation
Timeframe: Baseline
2
Creatinine recovery post exercise with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Timeframe: Baseline
3
Intramyocellular and extramyocellular fat fraction in muscle during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)