About this study
Some children who survive cancer have health problems that last a long time. One common problem is getting good sleep. This can include having a hard time falling asleep, waking up a lot during the night, breathing problems during sleep, or feeling very tired during the day. These sleep difficulties can affect how someone feels, thinks, and stays healthy. Doctors do not always know why this happens. The CSALTS study wants to learn more and find ways to help.
This study is part of the SJLIFE clinical trial. We will study sleep in people who had childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), brain tumors (CNS tumors), retinoblastoma in both eyes, and certain other types of solid tumors.
The study takes 2 to 3 days. Survivors will do sleep tests (known as polysomnography), memory and thinking tasks, and health surveys. Survivors will also complete a structure and neurometabolic brain imaging scan using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, MRS), which takes pictures of the brain. Survivors with ALL or non-brain solid tumors will also have an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity of the brain while taking a nap. By studying sleep in these groups, we hope to find patterns in the way that they sleep, which may be related to the type of cancer and treatment survivors received.
Some of the tests can be done at St. Jude or at home, so it is easier for people to take part.
By learning more about sleep disorders in childhood cancer survivors, we hope to help them get more restful sleep, feel better, and live healthier lives.
Eligibility overview
- Participant in SJLIFE clinical trial
- Age 18 years and older
- More than 5 years after cancer diagnosis
- Younger than age 21 at time of diagnosis
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with cranial radiation or chemotherapy only
- Central nervous system (CNS) tumors treated with cranio-spinal radiation or focal radiation
- Non-CNS solid tumors with abdominal or chest radiation
- Bilateral retinoblastoma survivors