About this study
Children with Down syndrome have a higher chance of getting acute leukemia than other children. They also have more side effects during treatment. Doctors want to know more about the long-term health problems these children may face after treatment. This study is needed to learn about those health problems and how they affect quality of life. It will also help doctors understand how cancer treatment affects thinking and learning skills in children with Down syndrome.
This study will look at children and young adults with Down syndrome who finished treatment for leukemia at least 3 years ago. Researchers will compare their health to children with Down syndrome who never had cancer. The goal is to find out if cancer treatment causes more health problems or changes in brain function than those seen in Down syndrome alone.
The study has 3 parts, but not everyone in the study will be in all 3 parts:
- Part 1: Families complete surveys about health and behavior and may give a saliva (spit) sample. They can do these steps from home.
- Part 2: Participants have a clinic visit for a physical exam and routine tests like blood work, heart checks, and bone scans.
- Part 3: A smaller group will have memory and thinking tests and give a blood sample for research.
The information learned through this study may help doctors create better care plans for children with Down syndrome who survive leukemia. It may also guide future research on how to prevent or treat long-term health problems.
Eligibility overview
- Children and young adults with Down syndrome
- Ages 6–39 years
- Completed treatment for acute leukemia at least 3 years ago
- Have not had a stem cell transplant
- Able to speak English or Spanish (parent or guardian must read and write in English or Spanish)