Fit4Life: A weight loss intervention for children who have survived childhood leukemia. Issue 5 (16th January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Jeannie S.; Dillon, Lindsay; Terrones, Laura; Schubert, Lynn; Roberts, William; Finklestein, Jerry; Swartz, Maria C.; Norman, Gregory J.; Patrick, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Pediatric blood & cancer. Volume 61:Issue 5(2014:May)
• Page Start: 894
• Page End: 900
• Publication Date: 2014-01-16
• Subjects: Tumors in children -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cancer in children -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24937
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-5009

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="pbc24937-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Children surviving acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at increased risk for overweight and obesity over that of the general population. Whether a generic or tailored approach to weight management is needed for cancer survivors has yet to be tested.</p> </sec> <sec id="pbc24937-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Procedure</title> <p>Thirty‐eight youth 8–18 years with BMI ≥ 85% who had survived ALL were recruited for a randomized clinical trial evaluating a weight management intervention (WMI) tailored for childhood ALL survivors (Fit4Life). Fit4Life recipients received a 4‐month web, phone, and text message‐delivered WMI tailored for cancer survivorship. Controls received a general WMI delivered via phone and mail. Assessments were performed at baseline and 4 months. Outcome data were analyzed according to assigned treatment condition over time.</p> </sec> <sec id="pbc24937-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Most (80%, (70%, 100%) [median (IQR)]) of the assigned curriculum was received by Fit4Life participants as compared to 50% (40%, 65%) among controls. Fit4Life recipients ≥14 years demonstrated less weight gain (<italic>P</italic> = 0.05) and increased moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (<italic>P</italic> < 0.01) while all Fit4Life recipients reported reduced negative mood (<italic>P</italic> < 0.05) over time as compared to control counterparts.</p> </sec> <sec id="pbc24937-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>We demonstrated acceptable feasibility of a WMI tailored for overweight and obese children surviving ALL utilizing a multimodal technology approach. Improved weight, weight‐related behavior, and psychological outcomes were demonstrated among Fit4Life intervention as compared to youth receiving a generic WMI. Data from this pilot trial may be used to design a larger trial to determine whether youth of all ages also can derive a benefit from a cancer survivor‐tailored WMI and whether short‐term outcomes translate into improved long‐term outcomes for childhood ALL survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:894–900. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>