A Plant-Based, High-Fiber Diet May Slow the Spread of Rare Blood Cancer

 

Introduction

According to a US study, a plant-based, high-fiber diet can slow the progression of multiple myeloma, giving patients new hope through dietary therapies.

High Fiber Diet

New York: A group of US researchers has demonstrated that a plant-based, high-fiber diet may slow the development of multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable bone marrow-related blood cancer.

 Results from the first-ever clinical trial in this area have been released by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) team.

Dr. Urvi Shah, a specialist in MSK myeloma, presented these findings at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in San Diego, California. He said, "This study showcases the power of nutrition — specifically a high fiber plant-based diet — and unlocks a better understanding of how it can lead to improvements in the microbiome and metabolism to build a stronger immune system."

According to her, these results further demonstrate how doctors may educate patients—particularly those with precancerous conditions—about lowering their risk of developing cancer by making dietary modifications.

Plant-Based Diet Blood Cancer

Twenty individuals at risk of developing multiple myeloma who had a high body mass index (BMI) and a precancerous blood condition were recruited for the study.

They were given plant-based, high-fiber meals for 12 weeks and coaching for 24 weeks. Before the trial, the disease progression trajectory of two patients who had deteriorating disease significantly improved.

Furthermore, none of the patients had developed multiple myeloma a year following enrollment.

Participants were encouraged to consume as much whole plant-based food as they desired during the trial, provided that it consisted of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

High Fiber Diet Cancer Prevention

These dietary modifications resulted in notable improvements in inflammation, gut microbiota health, insulin resistance, and quality of life.

After 12 weeks, participants lost an average of 8% of their body weight.

In a mouse model of smoldering myeloma, these results were validated: 44% of mice fed the high-fiber diet did not develop myeloma, but all mice fed the regular diet did.

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