Dr. Ladas is a clinical investigator with expertise in the clinical application and evaluation of nutrition and complementary/ alternative medicine. She is the Co-Director of the Center for Comprehensive Wellness (CCW) and directly oversees the nutrition and integrative therapies programs within CCW. Dr. Ladas applies an evidence-based approach to the application of integrative therapies (acupuncture, yoga, massage) to ease the pain and suffering of children and adults enduring treatment for cancer.

She is the principal investigator on a number of multi-institutional studies that evaluate the role of nutrition and integrative medicine as components of supportive care during and after treatment for cancer. Dr. Ladas’ research includes a focus on evaluating the influence of dietary intake on the development of nutrition-related morbidities (such as obesity) during treatment for cancer and on the role of acupuncture in reducing symptoms associated with treatment for cancer. Dr. Ladas is Co-Chair of the Nutrition Committee, Children’s Oncology Group (COG). Through this position she works with a national team of physicians, nurses, and dieticians to set nutritional research priorities that may be conducted through COG.

Dr. Ladas founded the International Initiative for Pediatrics and Nutrition (IIPAN) to provide a platform for global collaborations and advancements in the prevention of malnutrition and advancement of integrative modalities in pediatric oncology. Additionally, she is Co-Chair of the Nutrition Committee, International Society of Pediatric Oncology, Pediatric Oncology Developing Countries. Dr. Ladas currently works with investigators in Central and South America, Asia, and Africa to enhance the delivery of nutritional care to children who are undergoing treatment for cancer and who live in a low- or middle-income country.