Researchers studied 126 cancer patients with multiple myeloma who also had kidney problems. Half of them followed a special low-protein diet with personalized nutrition coaching, while the other half received standard care. After one year, the patients on the special diet had better kidney function, healthier protein levels in their blood, less inflammation in their bodies, and reported feeling better overall. They also experienced fewer serious side effects. This research suggests that a customized low-protein diet, combined with proper nutrition guidance, could be an important tool for helping these patients manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a personalized low-protein diet with nutrition coaching helps cancer patients (with multiple myeloma) whose kidneys aren’t working properly
  • Who participated: 126 patients with multiple myeloma and kidney damage admitted to a hospital between August 2023 and July 2024. The group was split into two: 64 patients received the special diet program, and 62 received standard care
  • Key finding: After one year, patients on the special diet had better kidney function, healthier nutrition levels, less body inflammation, and reported better quality of life compared to those receiving standard care, with fewer serious health problems
  • What it means for you: If you have multiple myeloma with kidney problems, working with a nutrition specialist to follow a personalized low-protein diet may help protect your kidneys, improve your overall health, and help you feel better. However, this approach should only be used under medical supervision

The Research Details

This was a retrospective study, meaning researchers looked back at medical records of patients who had already received care. They compared two groups of patients with multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer) who also had kidney damage. One group (64 patients) received individualized low-protein diet nursing care, which means a nutrition specialist created a customized eating plan with less protein and provided ongoing coaching. The other group (62 patients) received routine standard care without the specialized diet program. Both groups were followed for one full year, and researchers measured several important health markers at the beginning and end of the study.

This research approach is important because it shows real-world results from actual patients in a hospital setting. By comparing two similar groups of patients who received different types of care, researchers could see whether the specialized diet program made a real difference in kidney function, nutrition, and how patients felt. This type of study helps doctors understand which treatments work best for patients with complicated conditions like cancer combined with kidney problems.

This study has some strengths: it included a reasonable number of patients (126), followed them for a full year, and measured multiple important health outcomes. However, it’s a retrospective study, which means it looked at past records rather than carefully controlling conditions in real-time. The study was conducted at one hospital, so results may not apply to all populations. Patients weren’t randomly assigned to groups, which could mean the groups were slightly different in ways that affected results. The study doesn’t mention how the researchers controlled for other factors that might influence kidney health

What the Results Show

After one year, patients following the individualized low-protein diet showed significant improvements in kidney function compared to those receiving standard care. Their albumin levels (a protein that shows nutrition status) improved, meaning their bodies were better nourished. Their body weight stayed stable, which is important because sudden weight loss can be harmful. The special diet group also had lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker that shows inflammation in the body is decreasing. These improvements suggest the specialized diet helps protect kidneys while maintaining good nutrition. Patients on the special diet reported better quality of life scores, meaning they felt better physically and emotionally. They also experienced fewer serious side effects and complications from their cancer treatment.

Beyond the main results, the study found that the individualized diet approach was practical and feasible to implement in a hospital setting. Patients were able to follow the diet plan consistently over the full year. The combination of a low-protein diet tailored to each person’s specific needs, along with ongoing nutrition coaching from nurses, appeared to work better than general dietary advice. The study suggests that this approach doesn’t just help one aspect of health—it improves multiple areas at once, including kidney function, nutrition status, inflammation levels, and overall well-being

Previous research has shown that high protein intake can stress kidneys, especially in patients with existing kidney damage. This study builds on that knowledge by showing that a personalized low-protein diet, combined with professional nutrition coaching, produces measurable improvements. The findings align with general medical guidelines suggesting that patients with kidney disease should monitor protein intake carefully. However, this is one of the first studies to specifically examine this approach in cancer patients with multiple myeloma and kidney problems, making it a valuable addition to the research

This study has several important limitations to consider. It looked backward at medical records rather than carefully controlling conditions in real-time, which can introduce errors or bias. Patients weren’t randomly assigned to the diet or control group, so the groups might have been different in ways that affected results. The study was conducted at a single hospital in one location, so results may not apply to all populations or healthcare settings. The researchers didn’t fully explain how they controlled for other factors that could affect kidney health, such as medications, exercise, or other dietary factors. We don’t know if the benefits lasted beyond the one-year study period. Finally, the study doesn’t provide detailed information about how strictly patients followed the diet or how much nutrition coaching they received

The Bottom Line

For patients with multiple myeloma and kidney damage: Work with your medical team and a registered dietitian to develop a personalized low-protein diet plan tailored to your specific needs. Regular nutrition coaching and monitoring appear to improve outcomes. This approach should be part of comprehensive cancer care, not a replacement for standard treatments. Confidence level: Moderate—this shows promise but needs confirmation with larger, more rigorous studies. For healthcare providers: Consider referring patients with multiple myeloma and kidney impairment to nutrition specialists for individualized diet planning and ongoing support

This research is most relevant for: patients with multiple myeloma who have kidney damage or reduced kidney function; family members and caregivers of these patients; oncologists and nephrologists (kidney doctors) treating these patients; hospital nutrition specialists and nurses. This approach may not apply to patients with multiple myeloma who have normal kidney function, or to other types of cancer patients without kidney problems. Always consult with your healthcare team before making dietary changes

Based on this study, improvements in kidney function and nutrition status appeared after several months, with more significant benefits visible after one full year. Quality of life improvements were reported throughout the year. However, individual results vary—some patients may see benefits sooner, while others may take longer. Consistent adherence to the diet plan and regular nutrition coaching appear necessary to maintain benefits

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily protein intake in grams (aim for the amount your dietitian recommends), weekly kidney function markers if available (creatinine levels), and monthly quality of life ratings on a scale of 1-10. Log any symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or appetite changes
  • Use the app to log meals and snacks, receive reminders to stay within your personalized protein limit, track water intake, and schedule regular check-ins with your nutrition specialist. Set weekly goals for following your customized diet plan and celebrate milestones
  • Create a dashboard showing: weekly protein intake vs. your personalized goal, monthly trends in how you’re feeling, appointment reminders with your dietitian and doctor, and a log of lab results (kidney function tests) over time. Share this data with your healthcare team at regular visits to adjust the plan as needed

This research describes a specialized diet approach for a specific patient population (multiple myeloma patients with kidney damage). This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have multiple myeloma, kidney disease, or both, consult with your oncologist, nephrologist, and registered dietitian before making any dietary changes. Protein needs vary significantly between individuals based on kidney function, cancer stage, and other health factors. Never reduce protein intake without medical supervision, as inadequate protein can lead to muscle loss and other complications. This study was conducted at a single hospital and results may not apply to all patients or settings. Always work with your healthcare team to develop a safe, personalized nutrition plan