Nutrition and Dietary Supplements Research
The Center for Comprehensive Wellness (CCW) has designed and conducted innovative research in the field of nutrition and integrative therapies for pediatric patients and their families since 1998. Our clinical studies have pioneered the safe integration of nutritional therapy and CAM into conventional medical care within the United States and abroad. Dr. Elena Ladas, co-director of CCW and director of the Integrative Therapies Program, is pioneering research into the role of nutrition and the gut in pediatric oncology—a largely understudied area. Our research provides valuable information about this critical component of care with pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplant patients, ranging in age from infancy through adolescence and adulthood, both during and after medical treatment.
Our patients and their families have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials exploring the most promising treatments in CAM and integrative medicine, psychosocial support, and survivor wellness.
Active Studies
Probiotics for Prevention of Acute Graft-vs-Host Disease in Children Undergoing Alternative Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
This double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of probiotics in preventing gastrointestinal acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for a hematologic malignancy. It is being performed throughout the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a NCI National Clinical Trial Network group.
A Prospective Study Evaluating the Role of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status on Neuropathy, Functional Measures of Quality of Life, and Fatigue in Children Receiving Treatment for a Brain Tumor
This longitudinal study will explore the relationship of compromised nutrition status, fatigue, and functional quality of life in children between the ages of 3 to 25 with a diagnosis of medulloblastoma, ependymoma, germinoma, high- or low-grade glioma, or craniopharyngioma.
Implementing a Low Glycemic Diet in Children and Adolescents Undergoing Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
This is an ongoing multi-center intervention study evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of a low glycemic index diet for the prevention of obesity during acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in children 5-21 years of age.