Although childhood cancer patients are less likely to receive CRT than they were 20 years ago, Dr. Oeffinger says modern chemotherapy for ALL may also lead to decreased levels of physical activity, and needs further study. To reduce the long-term negative effects of chemotherapy on childhood cancer survivors, researchers hope to teach children and their families healthy lifestyle habits early, so they can carry them into adulthood.

The storyline is that physical inactivity and obesity outcomes are based upon type of therapy administered to patient, said Dr. Oeffinger. Importantly, there are things we can do to intervene and to help childhood cancer survivors to regain active lifestyles that will protect the patient in the long run.