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A comprehensive review of the impact of obesity on plasma cell disorders

Leukemia volume 36, pages 301–314 (2022)Cite this article

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Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Although little is known about the etiology of MM, several metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, poor nutrition, many of which are modifiable, have been linked to the pathogenesis of numerous neoplasms including MM. In this article, we provide a detailed summary of what is known about the impact of obesity on the pathogenesis of MM, its influence on outcomes in MM patients, and discuss potential mechanisms through which obesity is postulated to influence MM risk and prognosis. Along with advancements in treatment modalities to improve survival in MM patients, focused efforts are needed to prevent or intercept MM at its earliest stages. The consolidated findings presented in this review highlight the need for clinical trials to assess if lifestyle modifications can reduce the incidence and improve outcomes of MM in high-risk populations. Data generated from such studies can help formulate evidence-based lifestyle recommendations for the prevention and control of MM.

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Fig. 1: Role of obesity in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded in part through the NIH/NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) and supported by the American Society of Hematology Clinical Research Training Institute Award, TREC Training Workshop (R25 CA203650), International Myeloma Society and Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation CDA, Parker Institute of Cancer Immunotherapy CDA and NCI K12 CA184746 CDA (UAS). This study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (F32 CA220859, K22 CA251648), TREC Training Workshop (R25 CA203650) and the American Cancer Society (PF-17–231–01-CCE). This research was also supported by a Stand Up To Cancer Dream Team Research Grant (Grant Number: SU2C-AACR-DT28–18). Stand Up To Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Research grants are administered by the American Association for Cancer Research, the scientific partner of Stand Up To Cancer. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily endorsed by Stand Up To Cancer, the Entertainment Industry Foundation, or the American Association for Cancer Research (CRM).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Myeloma Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA

    Richa Parikh

  2. Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

    Syed Maaz Tariq

  3. Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Catherine R. Marinac

  4. Myeloma Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA

    Urvi A. Shah

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  1. Richa Parikh
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  2. Syed Maaz Tariq
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  3. Catherine R. Marinac
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  4. Urvi A. Shah
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Contributions

Concept and design: UAS and RP. Acquiring data: UAS, RP, and SMT. Drafting the paper: RP, SMT, CRM, and UAS. Critical revision of the paper: CRM and UAS. Approving the final version of the paper: RP, SMT, CRM, and UAS. Submission: RP and UAS. All authors agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Urvi A. Shah.

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Competing interests

UAS has received research funding from Celgene/Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen to her institution and honorariums for continuing medical education activity from the Physicians Education Resource, all outside of the submitted work. RP, SMT, and CRM declare no competing interests.

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Parikh, R., Tariq, S.M., Marinac, C.R. et al. A comprehensive review of the impact of obesity on plasma cell disorders. Leukemia 36, 301–314 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41375-021-01443-7

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