Fibre-Rich Diet Could Slow Down Rare Blood Cancer: Researcher of Indian Descent
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New York, Dec 8 (NationPress) A group of researchers in the United States has revealed that a high fibre, plant-based dietary intervention might slow down the progression of multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer that impacts the bone marrow.
The research team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has presented findings from the inaugural clinical trial focused on this matter.
Dr. Urvi Shah, a myeloma specialist at MSK, stated, "This study highlights the significance of nutrition—particularly a high fibre, plant-based diet—and provides a deeper insight into how it can enhance the microbiome and metabolism, thereby fortifying the immune system." These results were shared at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting held in San Diego, California.
Dr. Shah further emphasized that these findings equip physicians to empower patients, especially those with precancerous conditions, with knowledge on how dietary modifications can reduce cancer risk.
The study involved 20 participants who had a precancerous blood disorder and a high body mass index (BMI), placing them at risk for developing multiple myeloma.
Participants were provided with 12 weeks of high fibre, plant-based meals along with 24 weeks of nutrition coaching. Notably, two participants who were experiencing disease progression prior to the study exhibited a remarkable improvement in their disease trajectory.
Moreover, one year post-enrollment, none of the participants advanced to multiple myeloma.
Throughout the study, participants were encouraged to consume as much as they desired from whole plant-based options like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.
These dietary adjustments resulted in significant enhancements in quality of life, insulin resistance, gut microbiome health, and inflammation levels.
On average, participants experienced an eight percent reduction in body weight after the initial 12 weeks.
These results were corroborated in a smoldering myeloma mouse model, where 44 percent of mice on a high fibre diet did not progress to myeloma, in contrast to the standard diet, where all mice developed myeloma.
