A study by MSK discovered that a high-fiber, plant-based diet could potentially slow the progression of multiple myeloma in individuals at risk.

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have revealed findings from the first clinical trial showing that a high-fiber, plant-based diet may help delay the progression of multiple myeloma—a rare and currently incurable blood cancer that impacts the bone marrow.

Figure 1. High-Fiber Plant-Based Diet May Delay Multiple Myeloma Progression, Study Finds

The study included 20 participants diagnosed with a precancerous blood disorder and an elevated body mass index (BMI), putting them at increased risk for developing multiple myeloma [1]. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants adhered to a high-fiber, plant-based meal plan, along with an additional 24 weeks of dietary coaching. Remarkably, two participants who had shown signs of disease progression prior to the trial experienced significant improvement in their condition. Figure 1 shows High-Fiber Plant-Based Diet May Delay Multiple Myeloma Progression, Study Finds.

Furthermore, one year after enrollment, none of the participants had progressed to multiple myeloma. These findings were presented by MSK myeloma specialist and NUTRIVENTION study lead, Dr. Urvi Shah, at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in San Diego, California.

Nutrition and Immune System Strength

“This study highlights the power of nutrition—specifically a high-fiber, plant-based diet—and provides a deeper understanding of how it can improve the microbiome and metabolism to strengthen the immune system,” said Dr. Shah. “These findings further emphasize how physicians can empower patients, particularly those with precancerous conditions, by providing knowledge on reducing cancer risk through dietary changes.”

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer and typically develops from precursor conditions like monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering (asymptomatic) myeloma. Recent studies have linked poor diet quality and low intake of plant-based foods to an increased risk of multiple myeloma. Moreover, individuals with these conditions and an elevated body mass index (BMI) are twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma compared to those with normal BMI. With this in mind, researchers are exploring ways to intervene before these conditions progress to cancer.

Throughout the study, participants were encouraged to eat as much as they desired, as long as the foods were whole plant-based options such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes [2]. These dietary changes led to significant improvements in quality of life, insulin resistance, gut microbiome health, and inflammation. On average, participants lost 8% of their body weight over 12 weeks. Building on these positive results, Dr. Shah is currently enrolling participants for a larger, multi-center study with 150 participants, known as NUTRIVENTION-3.

The findings were also supported by a smoldering myeloma mouse model, where 44% of mice on the high-fiber diet did not progress to myeloma, compared to all mice on the standard diet, who progressed to the disease.

Funding for this trial was provided by the American Society of Hematology, the National Cancer Institute, the Allen Foundation Inc., the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation, the Solomon Fund, the Italian Association for Cancer Research, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

References:

1. https://ascopost.com/news/december-2024/high-fiber-diet-may-slow-disease-progression-to-multiple-myeloma/
2. https://scitechdaily.com/high-fiber-plant-based-diet-found-to-halt-progression-of-incurable-blood-cancer/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2024), A High-Fiber Plant-Based Diet Shown to Stop the Progression of Incurable Blood Cancer, AnaTechmaz, pp.1053