High-fiber diets tied to improved outcomes in stem-cell transplants, slowing myeloma precursors

In a study reported in MedPage Today, increased dietary fiber had a significant association with improved outcomes in blood cancers, according to studies reported here.

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) had significantly better survival and a lower rate of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) with higher levels of fiber intake. The outcomes were associated with changes in biomarkers linked to better outcomes. A second study showed improvement in biomarkers linked to progression of smoldering myeloma to the frank disease state in patients who consumed a plant-based, fiber-rich diet. Both studies were bolstered by laboratory data consistent with the clinical findings, as reported at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting.

The makeup of gut microbiota can influence outcomes in allo-HCT. Previous studies have shown that high microbial diversity, high butyrate production, and a low abundance of Enterococci are associated with improved overall survival (OS) after allo-HCT, said Jenny Paredes, PhD, of City of Hope National Medical Center, in Duarte, California.