By Maria Villen | Digital Manager
Aladina Foundation Report on the EPICKids Project (2025)
Project Description
The Aladina Foundation proudly leads an innovative international research initiative designed to explore how Mediterranean dietary patterns may alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments and improve survival outcomes for pediatric oncology patients. The EPICKids project is structured to develop educational materials grounded in rigorous data analysis and essential nutritional indicators. These resources aim to support healthcare professionals in monitoring and enhancing the nutritional status of children and adolescents diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and selected brain tumors in Southern Europe.
This pioneering study is carried out in collaboration with prominent institutions such as Columbia University's Irving Medical Center and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO). The participating hospitals include Hospital Niño Jesús and La Paz in Madrid, Sant Joan de Déu and Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona, Virgen del Rocío in Sevilla, alongside Italy’s Fondazione Monza e Brianza, Fondazione IRCCS, and Aghia Sofia Hospital in Athens.
Project Impact
Currently, the EPICKids project remains in its preliminary phase, focused primarily on the meticulous collection of critical data. As this stage progresses, it is still too early to present preliminary results or generalizable conclusions. Nonetheless, the potential of this project to reshape nutritional approaches within pediatric oncology is extraordinary and holds great promise for future clinical practices. In 2025, we proudly mark two years since the launch of this ambitious research project, reinforcing our commitment to improving the lives of children with cancer.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges lies in the early stage of the project, where ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the collected data is paramount. This crucial phase requires sustained attention and precision, as it will form the foundation for meaningful analysis and impactful conclusions in the future.
Future Steps
Looking ahead, the EPICKids project will continue its international collaboration with unwavering dedication to scientific rigor and established protocols. We will persist in strengthening partnerships with our network of hospitals and research centers, advancing toward our ultimate goal: generating practical insights that can transform the nutritional care provided to children undergoing cancer treatment across Southern Europe.
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