Research Roundup
There have been some very interesting publications in recent times on integrative care in cancer. Below are four recent research articles from 2025 and 2026 that are of interest to me and I hope to you too! I am hopeful that in the not too distant future, there will be further publications on the use of supplements (including curcumin, omega 3 and probiotics) for MGUS, smouldering myeloma and multiple myeloma patients. I have included a link to each of the 4 research papers should anyone want to delve deeper.
This study examined how frequently people with plasma cell disorders use dietary supplements, why they take them and whether they receive adequate medical guidance. Plasma cell disorders include multiple myeloma and precursor conditions such as MGUS and smouldering multiple myeloma.
An online questionnaire was sent to approximately 9,000 people registered with the HealthTree Foundation, and 563 responded.
Supplement use was extremely common. Before diagnosis, 72% reported taking at least one supplement; after diagnosis, this rose to 96%. Vitamin D use rose from 47% to 87%, while curcumin or turmeric use increased from 19% to 47%. Probiotic use also increased, whereas omega-3 use remained relatively stable.
The most common reason for taking supplements was to support the immune system, reported by 70% of respondents. Other motivations included preventing nutritional deficiencies, attempting to slow disease progression and improving tolerance of chemotherapy.
Although 87% used vitamin D after diagnosis, only 67% said a clinician had checked their vitamin D level. More than one-quarter said their haematologist or oncologist had not discussed supplements with them. At the same time, 75% wanted supplement recommendations from their specialist and 91% wanted to learn more about the evidence concerning possible benefits and risks.
This was an observational survey, so it cannot show that any supplement improves symptoms, slows myeloma or prevents a precursor condition from progressing.
The study’s main message is that supplement use should be discussed openly. Patients should give their treatment team a complete list of supplements, including doses, so potential deficiencies, unnecessary products and harmful interactions can be properly assessed.
This article explains how conventional treatment and integrative care can work together. Integrative care does not mean replacing standard treatment with alternative remedies. Instead, it combines standard medical care with evidence-based approaches addressing nutrition, exercise, sleep, emotional wellbeing and treatment-related symptoms.
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and remaining physically active are encouraged. Obesity [Multiple Myeloma is unique as the only hematologic malignancy directly linked to obesity] and inactivity have been associated with poorer outcomes. Exercise appears particularly valuable. Exercise must be adapted for people with weakened bones, fractures or significant physical limitations.
Other supportive approaches may help manage symptoms. Acupuncture, reflexology and similar therapies may assist with some types of associated pain. Early research suggests that acupuncture and exercise may also help with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy—the numbness, tingling or pain that can occur after treatment.
Bone health remains especially important and may require prescribed medicines, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and safe weight-bearing exercise.
The article discusses preliminary research into curcumin, including small studies in MGUS, myeloma and patients undergoing stem-cell transplantation. Concern is expressed about vitamin C supplements and green-tea extract because laboratory evidence suggests they may interfere with bortezomib, an important myeloma medicine.
The main message is that integrative care should be personalised and coordinated with the oncology team. Patients should tell their doctors about every vitamin, herb and supplement they use. Approaches with the strongest practical support—safe exercise, nutritious eating, bone protection and symptom management—can complement medical treatment and help patients maintain function and quality of life.
Article 3 - Clinical Potential of Curcuma longa Linn. as a Nutraceutical/Dietary Supplement for Metabolic Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Metabolic syndrome is a group of related health problems—including high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, excess body weight and ongoing low-grade inflammation—that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This review examined whether supplements containing turmeric or curcumin, turmeric’s best-known active compound, could improve these metabolic risk factors.
The researchers combined findings from 104 randomised controlled trials involving adults with metabolic syndrome or related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome. Most studies tested concentrated curcumin or turmeric supplements rather than turmeric used in everyday cooking. Some products also used ingredients or delivery systems designed to help the body absorb curcumin more effectively.
Overall, curcumin supplementation was associated with improvements in several important health measures. Among people with type 2 diabetes, it reduced fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar over approximately three months. It also produced modest improvements in blood fats, including reductions in triglycerides and LDL—or “bad”—cholesterol, together with an increase in HDL—or “good”—cholesterol.
The review also found reductions in several markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, TNF-alpha and IL-6. Total antioxidant capacity improved as well, suggesting that curcumin may help the body manage oxidative stress. However, results for body weight, waist measurement, insulin sensitivity and some individual antioxidant measures were less consistent.
An important limitation is that the studies varied considerably in their participants, doses, formulations and treatment periods. Many were relatively small and lasted only around eight to twelve weeks. The findings therefore do not establish the ideal curcumin product or dose, nor do they demonstrate that benefits continue over the long term. Supplements designed to improve curcumin absorption generally appeared more effective, but these products are not directly comparable with ordinary dietary turmeric.
The review concludes that curcumin may be a useful addition to established metabolic-health treatment, but it should not replace prescribed medicines, healthy eating, physical activity or medical care. People taking medication—particularly blood thinners, diabetes medicines or multiple treatments—should discuss curcumin with a healthcare professional before using a concentrated supplement.
Article 4 - Adiponectin Levels in Myeloma Patients After Curcumin Supplementation: A Randomized Clinical Pilot Study
This small study investigated whether adding curcumin to myeloma treatment could increase adiponectin, a hormone produced mainly by fat tissue. Adiponectin is involved in controlling inflammation and metabolism, and lower levels have been associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and possibly the development or progression of myeloma.
The study enrolled adults with newly diagnosed myeloma who were not eligible for stem-cell transplantation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive melphalan and prednisone with either curcumin or a placebo. Those in the curcumin group took eight grams daily—a high dose—for 28 days during each of four treatment cycles. Researchers measured adiponectin and several other blood markers before and after treatment.
Thirty-three people initially entered the study, but only 24 completed it: 12 in each group. After four cycles, average adiponectin levels were higher in the curcumin group than in the placebo group. Levels also increased from the starting measurement within the curcumin group. However, neither difference was statistically significant. In practical terms, this means the study could not reliably establish that curcumin caused the apparent increase; the difference could have arisen by chance.
The authors suggest that increasing adiponectin might theoretically be beneficial because laboratory research indicates that it may limit myeloma-cell growth and processes contributing to bone damage. Nevertheless, this pilot study did not examine whether curcumin improved survival, slowed disease progression or produced better treatment responses.
The results should therefore be viewed as preliminary. The study was extremely small, used an older myeloma treatment regimen and tested a much higher curcumin dose than people would receive from food. Larger trials are needed before curcumin can be recommended as a myeloma therapy. Patients should not begin high-dose curcumin without discussing possible side effects and treatment interactions with their haematologist.
Reference for article : Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine 2025 (Spring); 16(2): 320-327 DOI: 10.22088/cjim.16.2.320
The Bottom Line
Whether you are looking to proactively manage a precursor condition like MGUS or SMM or to optimize your metabolic health, the blueprint remains remarkably aligned. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, adopting a plant-forward diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), and utilizing bioavailable natural compounds like curcumin offer a scientifically backed framework to support long-term vitality.
Comments