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Indian American researcher says fibre diet can delay cancer
Dr Urvi Shah presented her findings at the 2024 American Society of Hematology annual meeting in San Diego.
Dr. Urvi Shah / Instagram
A groundbreaking study led by Indian American researcher Dr. Urvi Shah of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) suggests that a high-fiber, plant-based diet may delay the progression of multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer affecting bone marrow.
The findings were presented at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in San Diego, California.
"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,” said Dr. Shah, MSK myeloma specialist and lead of the NUTRIVENTION study. “These findings further support how we as physicians can empower patients, especially those with precancerous conditions, with knowledge on reducing their cancer risk through dietary changes.”
The study, a first-of-its-kind clinical trial, enrolled 20 participants diagnosed with precancerous blood disorders and an elevated body mass index (BMI), putting them at heightened risk for developing multiple myeloma. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants adhered to a high-fiber, plant-based diet supplemented by 24 weeks of coaching.
The results were striking—none of the participants progressed to multiple myeloma within one year of enrollment, and two participants, who had been experiencing disease progression before the study, showed significant improvement.
Dietary intervention shows promise
During the study, participants were encouraged to consume unlimited amounts of whole, plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. This dietary shift resulted in significant health improvements, including better quality of life, reduced insulin resistance, improved gut microbiome health, and lower inflammation. On average, participants experienced an 8 percent weight loss within the first 12 weeks.
The findings were further supported by a smoldering myeloma mouse model study, where 44 percent of mice fed a high-fiber diet did not progress to myeloma, compared to 100 percent progression in mice on a standard diet.
Addressing a growing concern
Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer and typically develops from precursor conditions such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering myeloma. Previous research has linked poor dietary habits and low plant food intake to a heightened risk of developing the disease. Individuals with these conditions and elevated BMI face twice the risk of progression compared to those with normal BMI, emphasizing the need for early dietary intervention.
Encouraged by these promising results, Dr. Shah is now leading a larger multi-center trial, NUTRIVENTION-3, which will enroll 150 participants to further explore the connection between diet and cancer progression.
“These findings highlight the significant impact of lifestyle changes in cancer prevention,” Dr. Shah added. “As we continue to explore the role of diet in disease management, we are optimistic about empowering patients with more tools to take control of their health.”
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