For children undergoing cancer treatment, the battle is not just against the disease—it is also against the harsh side effects of chemotherapy. Many young patients, especially those already facing malnutrition, struggle with weakened immunity, fatigue, and poor recovery during treatment.

At IIT Bombay, a unique initiative led by the Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas (C-TARA) is working to change this reality by bringing together science, nutrition, and compassion to support some of the most vulnerable patients.

With support from Coal India Limited under its CSR initiative, the project focuses on developing and clinically testing a micronutrient-fortified food supplement designed specifically for children undergoing cancer treatment. The intervention utilises a recently patented nutritious sprinkler technology developed in India, which delivers highly bioavailable nutrients tailored for improved absorption in gut-compromised paediatric oncology patients.

Clinical Trials at Scale

The clinical trials, conducted in collaboration with the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) and Tata Memorial Hospital, aim to enroll around 200 paediatric patients.

By closely tracking outcomes, the study seeks to understand how targeted nutrition can improve recovery—potentially enhancing treatment tolerance, improving nutritional status, and reducing treatment-related complications.

What makes this initiative truly impactful is its patient-centred approach. Instead of focusing only on treatment, it looks at the child as a whole — recognising that better nutrition can play a critical role in recovery, resilience, and quality of life. Beyond immediate health benefits, the project also contributes to a larger vision. By generating scientific evidence on the role of nutrition in cancer care, it can help shape improved treatment protocols in the future—potentially benefiting thousands of children across the country.

The initiative also reflects strong collaboration between academia, healthcare institutions, and industry. From designing the study and ensuring ethical standards to training teams and analysing outcomes, IIT Bombay and its partners are working together to deliver meaningful, measurable impact.

At its heart, this project is about hope, helping children not just fight cancer but do so with greater strength, dignity, and care.

It stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful innovation and collaborative effort can improve lives where it matters most.