Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood Leukemia and in Long-Term Survivors: Causes and Personalized Treatments

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains the most frequent pediatric malignancy, accounting for approximately 34% of all pediatric cancers, with remarkable improvements in survival (approximately 85%) due to advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and supportive care. However, as survival rates have increased, new challenges have emerged-particularly the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among survivors. This review compiles evidence from the past decade on the relationship between leukemia treatment, obesity, and metabolic risk. The findings indicate that cranial radiotherapy, corticosteroid use, and younger age at diagnosis are key risk factors for excessive weight gain and long-term metabolic disturbances. Genetic factors such as FTO, MC4R, and LEPR polymorphisms may further influence susceptibility to obesity. Nutritional analyses highlight poor diet quality, insufficient micronutrient intake, and high-fat, energy-dense dietary patterns in survivors. Beyond endocrine dysfunction, obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with elevated cardiovascular morbidity and reduced quality of life. Personalized medicine approaches-integrating genomics, metabolomics, and lifestyle data-hold promise for targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Early detection, continuous metabolic monitoring, and health education remain essential components in the long-term management of childhood leukemia survivors. In this review, we analyzed the dietary patterns of children and long-term leukemia survivors explaining why higher rates of obesity and comorbidities appear during or after treatments, and discussed interventions to prevent these conditions.