03-06-2025
THIS diet can delay the progression of cancer, experts reveal
A recent pilot study reveals that a high-fiber, plant-based diet can significantly improve metabolic health and gut microbiome diversity, potentially delaying cancer progression. Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found this diet particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of multiple myeloma.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 5 people develop
cancer
in their lifetime, and approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease.
Diet plays a significant role in cancer prevention. A new clinical trial has now found that a certain diet can improve health markers that could delay progression to cancer.
The pilot study, led by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, found that a diet significantly improved metabolic health, inflammation markers, and gut microbiome diversity, all of which play a role in cancer progression. The findings will be presented at NUTRITION 2025, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held in Orlando.
Diet to fight myeloma
The clinical trial suggests that a high-fiber plant-based diet could benefit patients at risk for developing multiple myeloma, the second most common type of blood cancer. The study found that this diet was also linked to improvement in certain factors that can potentially delay the progression of precancerous conditions that can lead to multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma often starts with early, non-cancerous conditions that involve abnormal plasma cells.
Lifestyle factors such as a high body weight, a poor-quality diet, and an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria have been shown to increase the risk of it progressing to multiple myeloma.
'With cancers being detected earlier and precancerous states identified more frequently, there is a growing opportunity to understand how modifiable risk factors, like diet and lifestyle, affect cancer progression. Our results highlight the importance of improved dietary quality in early disease states and could provide guidance for future clinical trials,' Francesca Castro, a clinical research dietitian at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, said in a statement.
Nutrition and cancer
The researchers have stressed the importance of diet in decreasing the risks of
cancer
. 'With everything that patients cannot control during and before cancer treatment, studying diet provides an opportunity for patients to make a difference in their disease risk and the potential success of their treatment. Our study shows the power of nutrition in the preventative setting and showcases the potential to give patients a sense of agency in their diagnosis,' Urvi A.
Shah, MD, a physician scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and principal investigator for the research said.
The study
The trial included 20 patients with elevated body mass index and precancerous markers for multiple myeloma. Participants followed a 12-week high-fiber, plant-based meal plan, along with 24 weeks of tailored nutritional counseling, and were monitored over 52 weeks.
The participants were encouraged to eat to satiety as long as they consumed whole plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.
Refined grains, animal products, added sugar and highly processed foods were avoided from the diet.
The researchers found that the high-fiber, plant-based diet contributed to dietary adherence and weight loss. Prior to the study, only 20% of total calories came from high-fiber plant-based foods, whereas by the end of the 12 weeks, that number jumped to 91%. The median BMI dropped by 7% by the end of 12 weeks and this weight loss was sustained at 1 year.
Two patients experienced a slowing of disease progression, while progression remained stable in the others.
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'Our study had diverse racial enrollment as well as a comprehensive dietary and biomarker evaluation. Our comprehensive analysis of improved immune and metabolic response suggests that a high-fiber plant-based diet can also reduce risk for cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions,' Shah said.
Takeaway
Most people consume less than the recommended daily fibre. The researchers suggest setting realistic daily goals and focusing on one meal at a time, to boost fiber in the diet.
'Think about what foods you can add or swap to increase fiber intake. It can be very simple, like adding a piece of fruit at the end of a meal or swapping out a refined grain for a whole grain. Eating more fiber can lower risk for many other conditions and can improve overall health, beyond just reducing cancer risk,' Castro said.
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