From Kitchen to Clinic

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Pediatric Cancer, Malnutrition, Child, Caregiver Burden

In brief

Children receiving cancer treatment often experience nutrition-related challenges, such as changes in appetite, weight, and food intake, due to treatment side effects and the demands placed on families during care. These challenges can increase caregiver stress, reduce diet quality, and contribute to short- and long-term health risks for children. While medically tailored meals have been shown to improve nutrition and reduce burden in adults with serious illness, their use in pediatric cancer care has not been well studied. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week, family-centered food-as-medicine program for children undergoing active cancer treatment and their caregivers. The program combines weekly delivery of medically tailored meals with individualized caregiver coaching provided by registered dietitian nutritionists. During the first eight weeks, families receive full meal support and weekly coaching sessions, followed by a four-week transition period with tapered meal delivery and bi-weekly coaching to support sustainable nutrition practices. A total of 60 pediatric patients and their caregivers will be enrolled at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The study will assess whether families can be successfully recruited and retained, whether they are able to participate in study activities, and whether the program is acceptable and usable during cancer treatment. The study will also explore preliminary effects on children's dietary intake, weight and growth patterns, treatment tolerance, household nutrition security, and caregiver stress and burden.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT07454902
Run by
Drexel University
People needed
120
Starts
2026-03-01
Expected to finish
2028-12-01
Last updated by the study team
2026-03-09

Who can join

Age: 5 and older, up to 21. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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