Multiple Myeloma (MM) is influenced by various metabolic risk factors including obesity, diabetes mellitus, diet, and the human intestinal microbiome, although its exact etiology remains largely unknown. This review delves into the specific dietary and microbiome factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of MM and how these factors impact patient outcomes. With recent advancements in MM treatment improving patient survival rates, there is a growing need to focus on mitigating MM’s burden and enhancing both MM-specific and overall outcomes after diagnosis.

The review highlights the significance of dietary and lifestyle interventions on the gut microbiome and their subsequent effects on MM incidence, outcomes, and quality of life. It emphasizes the importance of generating data from such studies to develop evidence-based dietary guidelines for healthcare providers. This is particularly crucial for counseling individuals at risk of MM, such as those diagnosed with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM), as well as MM survivors, helping them make informed decisions about their dietary habits.

Reference: Shah UA, Parikh R, Castro F, Bellone M, Lesokhin AM. Dietary and microbiome evidence in multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. Leukemia. 2023 May;37(5):964-980. doi: 10.1038/s41375-023-01874-4. Epub 2023 Mar 30. PMID: 36997677; PMCID: PMC10443185.