RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Childhood B-acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and Role of CD9 Gene Regulation in Relapse

Childhood B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) is the most common cancer in children, and unfortunately, about 1 in 5 children who are treated for it will have the cancer come back. This study aims to find out why this happens. Researchers are investigating a specific protein called CD9. They believe that how this protein works might help leukaemia cells hide and survive, leading to the cancer returning. By taking blood and bone samples from children with B-ALL at different stages of their treatment, including if the cancer comes back, scientists hope to understand CD9's role. This knowledge could lead to better ways to predict who might relapse and possibly even new treatments.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Rennes University Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

22 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2035

Leukemia, Lymphoblastic, Acute, Pediatric

What is this study about?

Childhood B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) is the most common type of cancer in children. While treatments have improved a lot, unfortunately, for about 1 in 5 children, the cancer comes back after they've been treated. When this happens, it's called a relapse. Researchers are always looking for better ways to predict who might relapse and to find new ways to prevent the cancer from returning.

This study focuses on something called CD9. Think of CD9 as a special switch or marker on the surface of leukaemia cells. Scientists believe that how this CD9 marker behaves might help these cancer cells move around and hide in parts of the body, making it harder for treatments to completely get rid of them. When these cells hide away, they can sometimes cause the cancer to reappear later. By understanding how CD9 is controlled, we might find new clues about why some children relapse and others don't.

The main goal of this project is to figure out if understanding CD9 better can help us predict when a relapse might happen. We'll be collecting small samples of bone marrow and blood from children who are diagnosed with B-ALL. These samples will be taken at three important times: when they are first diagnosed, after the first stage of their treatment, and if, unfortunately, the cancer does come back. By studying these samples, researchers hope to discover how CD9 works and if it can act as an early warning sign for potential relapses. This could eventually lead to new tests or even new ways to treat B-ALL.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on childhood leukaemia relapses.
Researchers are studying a protein called CD9 using blood and bone samples.
The aim is to understand why some children's cancer comes back.
Samples are taken at specific times during standard treatment and if relapse occurs.
Findings could help predict and prevent future relapses.

Who may be eligible?

This study is particularly for children under the age of 18 who have recently been diagnosed with a type of leukaemia called B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) at the hospital conducting the study. Before taking part, you and your child will receive full information about what the study involves, and if your child is old enough and able, they will be asked for their agreement. For all children, a parent or legal guardian must agree and sign a consent form.

There are certain situations where children would not be able to join the study. For example, if their cancer has spread outside the bone marrow to other parts of the body at the very beginning of diagnosis. Also, adults who are under special legal protection or those who are unable to give consent for other reasons would not be included. The study is open to both boys and girls.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child under 18 years old?
Has your child been newly diagnosed with B-ALL at this hospital?
Have you received and understood information about the study?
Are you, as the parent or guardian, willing to give written consent for your child to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they won't receive new treatments or medicines. Instead, the study involves collecting small blood and bone marrow samples. These samples will be taken at three specific times: when your child is first diagnosed with B-ALL, after the first part of their standard leukaemia treatment, and then only if, unfortunately, their leukaemia comes back.

These sample collections will be done as part of the routine medical procedures your child would already be undergoing for their leukaemia diagnosis and treatment. There won't be any extra visits to the hospital specifically for this study. The samples will then be studied by researchers to understand more about how leukaemia cells behave. The total duration of your child's participation in terms of sample collection will align with these three key moments in their treatment journey.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study does not involve any new medications or treatments, so there are no new medical risks beyond the standard procedures your child will already be undergoing for their leukaemia diagnosis and treatment. The blood and bone marrow samples will be taken during these routine procedures. While there's no direct benefit to your child from taking part, the information gained from studying their samples could help future children with B-ALL by leading to a better understanding of how the cancer relapses and potentially new ways to predict or prevent it. You are completely free to withdraw your child from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision will not affect their treatment or care.

Locations (3)

CHU Angers
Verified postcode
Angers, France· Recruiting
CHU Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France· Recruiting
CHU Rennes
Verified postcode
Rennes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is B-ALL?

B-ALL stands for B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. It's the most common type of cancer that starts in the blood in children.

What is a relapse?

A relapse means the cancer has come back after a period of treatment when it was thought to be gone.

What is CD9?

CD9 is a protein found on the surface of cells, and researchers think it might help leukaemia cells survive and hide, leading to relapses.

Will my child receive new medicine in this study?

No, your child will not receive any new medicines or treatments as part of this study. It only involves collecting samples.

Will taking part affect my child's regular treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not affect your child's usual treatment for B-ALL or their medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Elie COUSIN, Md

elie.cousin@univ-rennes.fr 299284321 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.