A high-fibre diet could play a key role in preventing the progression of a precancerous bone marrow condition into full-blown cancer, new research suggests. The findings come from a small but promising study that highlights the power of nutrition in reducing cancer risk.

The study focuses on patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a bone marrow condition that often serves as a precursor to multiple myeloma, one of the most common forms of blood cancer. Conducted by researchers from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, the study found that increasing dietary fibre intake may slow or even prevent the development of multiple myeloma.

Dr Urvi Shah, the study's lead author and a myeloma specialist, emphasized the importance of empowering patients to take proactive steps. "This research supports how physicians can equip patients with precancerous conditions with the knowledge to reduce cancer risk through dietary changes," she said.

The study included 20 MGUS patients, all of whom were either overweight or obese — factors that increase the risk of MGUS advancing to cancer. Over a 12-week period, participants switched to a plant-based, high-fibre diet. This diet was rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, and nuts. Along with dietary coaching for six months, participants were encouraged to eat freely as long as they adhered to the prescribed diet.

The results were encouraging:

- Participants lost an average of 8 per cent of their starting body weight during the 12-week period.

- Improvements were noted in insulin resistance, gut microbiome health, and overall quality of life.

- The progression of MGUS slowed, and in two patients whose conditions were progressing toward cancer, there was a significant reversal of disease progression.

- None of the participants developed multiple myeloma within one year of starting the trial.

The findings align with earlier studies suggesting that poorer diets high in meat and low in fibre are linked to a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma. Shah highlighted that prior animal studies had also shown a connection: 44 per cent of myeloma-prone mice fed a high-fibre diet did not develop the disease, compared to 100 per cent of mice on a standard diet.

"This study demonstrates the power of nutrition — particularly a high-fibre, plant-based diet — to strengthen the immune system, improve metabolism, and positively impact the gut microbiome," Shah said.

The researchers plan to expand their study to include 150 MGUS patients to confirm the findings on a larger scale. However, as the study was presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, the results are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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