NCT05375617 · Columbia University
European Prospective Investigation Into Childhood Cancer
(EPICkids)
What this study is about
Over the last decades, research has shown that poor nutritional status can adversely impact prognosis and increase toxicities during treatment for childhood cancer. EPICkids is a collaboration between the International Initiative for Pediatrics and Nutrition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and sites throughout three Southern European countries (Spain, Greece, and Italy).
View original scientific description
Over the last decades, research has shown that poor nutritional status can adversely impact prognosis and increase toxicities during treatment for childhood cancer. EPICkids is a collaboration between the International Initiative for Pediatrics and Nutrition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and sites throughout three Southern European countries (Spain, Greece, and Italy). The primary aim of EPICkids is to establish an informational resource on critical nutrition parameters wherein we can describe the trajectory of nutritional status among Southern European children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and favorable biology brain tumors, investigate lifestyle behaviors, sociodemographic factors, and quality of life and correlate these indicators with clinical outcomes. The specimens obtained with the proposed study will foster future studies on nutrition and prevalent childhood cancer as well as establish a framework to develop evidence-based guidelines for European children with cancer, utilizing regional, European data. We plan to recruit 900 patients with ALL and 1400 patients with a favorable biology brain tumor over five years. Nutrition parameters and lifestyle factors will be measured at systematic timepoints over the study period. Stool and blood specimens will be collected at each timepoint. Eligible patients will be between 3 and 21 years of age.
Interventions
OTHER
Observational
No intervention
Primary outcome measures
Evaluate the association of dietary and lifestyle variables to examine the association of nutritional status and dietary intake with side-effects from treatment and survival in children and adolescents with ALL and favorable biology brain tumors.
Time frame: From diagnosis to 1 year post-end of treatment
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age: ALL and favorable biology brain tumors: Patient must be between 3 years and 21 years of age at the time of consent. Diagnosis:
- ALL: Patients must have newly diagnosed B-cell ALL, T-cell ALL, or mixed phenotype acute leukemia confirmed by immunophenotyping by flow cytometry.
- Brain tumors: Patients must have newly diagnosed favorable biology brain tumor confirmed by either pathology report, imaging and/or biochemical studies including low-grade gliomas, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, pituitary tumors, germ cell tumors. Treatment:
- ALL and brain tumors: Participants may be children on a clinical trial or "as per" a clinical trial.
- ALL: Patients will receive standard leukemia treatment.
- Brain tumors: Patients will be treated depending upon standard approach with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy. Patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation as part of their regimen may be included. Location: ALL and brain tumors: Patients must be receiving treatment at one of the participating centers. Timing:
- ALL: Parents/guardians must consent and patient assent, if applicable, within three working days of diagnosis.
- Brain tumors: Parents/guardians must consent and assent, if applicable, prior to initiation of chemotherapy, radiation or stem cell transplant.
Exclusion criteria
- ALL and brain tumors:
- Patients with relapsed or progressive disease, exclusive of patients with unresectable low-grade gliomas who have progressive disease.
- Patients with history of other primary malignancy.
- Patients with other medical conditions not associated with the malignancy that may interfere with nutritional status/growth and/or microbiome composition, like patients with Down's syndrome, metabolic disorders or celiac disease. Patients with genetic predisposition that may interfere with nutritional status/growth. ALL:
- Patient plans to receive hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
- Mixed lineage leukemias who receive AML-based protocols. Brain tumors: Children/adolescents who will be managed by observation or surgery only, or diagnosed with ATRT or high-grade gliomas.
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
International Agency for Research on Cancer
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations