Accurate estimation of changes in body composition, energy balance and nutritional status of Indian children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) during cancer treatment

The incidence of paediatric cancer is on the rise with the global prevalence being 14.9 per million. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer and these children have increased complications during the treatment leading to poor nutritional status and reduced quality of life. The aim of the proposed study is to accurately measure the body composition (body cell mass and fat mass) of children with ALL at diagnosis and during the various stages of chemotherapy & to evaluate the role of diet and physical activity. The findings of the proposed study will provide novel baseline information on the body composition in Indian children with ALL, along with data on the changes occurring in body composition and energy balance during treatment. The data on energy intake and expenditure will provide insights into the possible reasons for energy imbalance.  The proposed study, for the first time will provide data on the composition of fat free mass (FFM) in children with ALL and estimates of the changes in the composition of FFM during treatment in Indian children.  These findings will have clinical relevance in the management of fast mass gain in ALL survivors