The Influence of Extreme Heat on Renal Toxicities in Pediatric Leukemia Patients
As global temperatures rise, extreme heat is becoming more common. Under-resourced and historically minoritized communities are especially vulnerable to the strain of heat because their neighborhoods have more concrete, fewer green spaces, and worse air quality. The kidneys are particularly sensitive to heat stress and dehydration. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are already at high risk of kidney injury from their disease and the medications they receive for treatment. Kidney injury can lead to delays in chemotherapy, hospitalizations, and other serious complications. Some groups of children, especially those from historically marginalized communities, are more likely to experience these treatment-related complications and worse outcomes. While heat is known to worsen kidney health in the general population, the impact of extreme heat on the health of children with cancer is unknown. As heat waves become more frequent and severe, it is critical to understand whether high temperatures increase the risk of kidney injury or influence survival in children undergoing leukemia treatment. This knowledge could help hospitals and families anticipate dangerous climate conditions, protect vulnerable patients during heat events, and reduce preventable treatment complications.
Project Goals
This project aims to understand how extreme heat affects children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We will combine the medical information for patients across several large tertiary pediatric hospitals with detailed environmental data to determine whether exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of kidney injury or influences overall survival outcomes. First, we will study whether children who experience unusually hot days around the time of their diagnosis are more likely to develop kidney injury. Next, we will examine whether heat waves during treatment make kidney injury more likely or more severe. Finally, we will explore whether repeated exposure to extreme heat is linked with survival, especially for children with higher-risk types of leukemia. By identifying which children are most vulnerable to heat, this project aims to help guide interventions to protect patients during extreme heat events. The results could guide changes such as altered hydration plans, heat-related safety guidance, or improved access to cooled environments. Our goal is to make cancer treatment safer for all children in a warming world.
