Can weight gain cause progression from MGUS to myeloma?

Posted by amyboylan1 @amyboylan1, May 13 11:25am

I have been diagnosed with MGUS. I have read that weight gain can cause progression from MGUS to MM. I’ve gained quite a bit I think due to the anti depressants and food cravings. I’m so upset with myself. Please tell me about any experience or information you have about this. I’m would greatly appreciate it. I have my six month blood check in a few weeks and am very concerned. Thank you, Amy

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@dcuste

I emailed an author of the 2017 paper "Long-term follow-up of curcumin treated MGUS/SMM patients – an updated single centre experience".
He emailed me with his website http://www.mgustherapy.com and also that the curcumin he used in their clinical studies was C3 complex from Sabinsa.
My reading of the studies is that the type of MGUS may make a difference. It appears that curcumin is not too effective for my IgM MGUS as other types. I will continue taking it until my next test and then decide.

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Here’s a study she references. I’ve pasted the conclusion part related to MM. My personal deduction is that it might help. Might.

Curcumin in Cancer and Inflammation: An In-Depth Exploration of Molecular Interactions, Therapeutic Potentials, and the Role in Disease Management

“In the context of multiple myeloma, particularly in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), curcumin demonstrated some promise. The study showed a decrease in serum markers associated with bone resorption and light-chain ratios in patients taking curcumin, although these changes were not statistically significant in all parameters [156]. The results from the crossover study followed by an open-label extension study suggest that curcumin may have a modulating effect on disease markers in MGUS and SMM, but its clinical significance in terms of disease progression and symptom management remains to be fully established.
In conclusion, while curcumin has shown some potential benefits in cancer therapy, its efficacy appears to be variable, dependent on factors such as dosage, cancer type, and individual patient response. These clinical trials underscore the need for more comprehensive and large-scale studies to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of curcumin in cancer treatment. The promising results in certain areas warrant continued research to optimize curcumin’s formulation, delivery, and dosing to maximize its clinical benefits.”

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@wesleym

Folks - you gotta read this stuff carefully. Taking the "studies" listed on this site in order by year:
2024: Sample size 1. Yes, 1.
2020: studied use of cucurmin in place of steroid (usually dex) to ameliorate effects of standard MM drug regimen in those already diagnosed.
2017: Sample size 6.
2017(2): sample size 13.
2017(3): same study as 2017(2).
2016: sample size 10 (MGUS cohort).
2015(1): sample size, CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) patients 21; MGUS patients 0
2015(2): another CLL study; sample size 21
2015(3): sample size 1
2013: in vitro study.
2013(2): sample size 2
2012: the only double-blind placebo-controlled study of the group. Sample size: 36. Conclusion: "These findings suggest that curcumin might have the potential to slow the disease process in patients with MGUS and SMM." Note "suggest", "might" and "potential".
2011: Nothing to do with curcumin (or any other supplement).
2010: Vitamin D deficiency may increase damage MM does to bones. No kidding. Vitamin D is vital to bone health independent of MM.
2009: sample size 26.
All tiny, all equivocal, only one double-blind. I'm not suggesting that someone who - after consulting with physician - wants to take cucurmin should not do so. In the quantities discussed here, it is not likely to do any damage, other than potentially to iron absorption. I have high-risk MGUS / SMM, and know how you want to DO SOMETHING. But you have to read between the lines before getting your hopes up, especially on sites where - as here - they want to sell you stuff.

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Good summary. I hadn't even noticed the link to all these papers. I based my opinion that Curcumin may not be helpful for IgM MGUS on just this one https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317419580_Long-term_follow-up_of_curcumin_treated_MGUSSMM_patients_-_an_updated_single_centre_experience
But am taking the C3 and iron supplements for now. I'm not getting my hopes up but I don't think the amount I'm taking has a down side. I'll know if it's worth continuing in a few months after the routine blood tests are done.

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@dmdinapoli81

Most people with MGUS also have a form of anemia. I am IDA

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@dmdinapoli81
I agree that one should embark upon the great turmeric experiment with caution. Before I add anything to my regular drug/supplement routine, I work with my clinic’s PharmD to see if a supplement might interact negatively with any prescription medication’s that I am on. We also look at possible side effects and my physician and I monitor to see if there are any negative unintended consequences.
So far, my numbers have improved. Yay!
It looks as though the assertion that most people with MGUS have anemia is inconsistent with the data.
https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/142/Supplement%201/215/499176/Clinical-Utility-of-Monoclonal-Gammopathy
It just goes to show that we are all so different and what will work for one does not work for everybody. I get lots of information from the anecdotal experiences of my fellow travelers, but I always have to make sure that I do my homework and filter through all of the information with my physician before I make a decision to try something like diet or supplements.
It’s important that we all advocate for ourselves.

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