The Online Nutrition Study
by Barbara Kurtz
Inflammation is high in people with MPN and this high level of inflammation is thought to drive many MPN related symptoms. Laboratory research has shown that inflammatory proteins promote the growth of MPN cells while inhibiting the growth of normal cells. Ruxolitinib (jakafi) decreases inflammatory proteins and this may be part of the reason why it is helpful in MPN patients. One trial beginning early next year will be to look at reducing inflammation with diet.
The goal of this study is to identify a method besides medications to help with MPN disease related problems and prevent the disease from progressing.
The over production of blood cells can result in increased inflammation in the body. Other studies of diseases with increased inflammation show that dietary changes to reduce inflammation may decrease disease associated symptoms.
The purpose of the online nutrition education intervention for people with MPN’s is to assess the impact of a low inflammatory diet specifically on people with an MPN with the hope to affect some symptoms including fatigue, fevers, night sweats, chills, increased spleen size and ultimately control blood counts.
Studies of a diet rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients such as fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, particular herbs and spices, certain types of meats and oils, and herbal teas may reduce inflammation in the body.
Participants must be willing to come in for blood work several times during the trial and for this initial study they are looking for folks who are within driving distance of Irvine, California. Irvine is in Orange County in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. Future studies will be expanded to cover patients all over the U.S.A.
To find more about this study, including menu, requirements, contact information and to sign up to be contacted for this study go to www.wearempn.org
Researchers
Dr. Angela Fleischman, M.D. Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine,
Division of Hematology/Oncology. UC Irvine Health School of Medicine
Dr. Robyn M. Scherber, MD, MPH Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ as a research affiliate/consultant, Fellow at Oregon Health and Science University.
Dr. Ruben A. Mesa, MD, FACP Consultant Hematologist – Mayo Clinic in Arizona Chair, Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Deputy Director, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
MPNforum Magazine 