June 18, 2026. For two consecutive years, the Xana Foundation has supported the Integrative Pediatric Oncology Unit (UOPI) at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Hospital, a pioneering unit in Spain dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and adolescents living with cancer and accompanying them throughout their treatment journey, promoting both their physical and emotional well-being. The Foundation’s support has taken the form of a €74,500 financial contribution, enabling the hiring of a pediatric oncologist specialized in acupuncture.
Led by Dr. Esther Martínez, the UOPI has developed a care model based on the integration of evidence-based complementary therapies within conventional treatment plans. Its goal is to reduce the side effects associated with cancer treatments, improve treatment adherence, and contribute to a better overall experience throughout the disease process. Thanks to the collaboration with the Xana Foundation, the UOPI has been able to provide 3,000 acupuncture treatments, increasing its activity by 20%.
“At the Fundación Xana, we believe that caring for a child with cancer must address not only medical needs but also the factors that impact their emotional and physical well-being. Integrative medicine provides valuable tools to alleviate treatment-related side effects and support patients throughout their recovery. We are convinced of the importance of this more humane, comprehensive approach, focused on the needs of each child and their family”, says Bela Cullell, Director of the Fundación Xana.
Located within the SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, the UOPI is inspired by leading pediatric oncology centers in the United States, including Boston Children’s Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, among others, where integrative oncology has been part of the service portfolio for many years and is considered an indicator of clinical excellence. The unit’s main services are oncology nutrition and pediatric acupuncture, two of the disciplines with the strongest scientific evidence in the field of integrative oncology.