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Telehealth-Delivered Dietary Counseling in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Randomized Feasibility Study

4 April 2026

Fleischman Angela, Li Jiarui, Tabban Asmaa, Cai Shuwei, Odegaard Andrew

Summary

1. Plain-Language Summary

This pilot study investigated whether remote dietary counseling, focusing on either a Mediterranean or DASH diet, could be practically implemented and beneficial for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to manage inflammation and symptoms. It found that a telehealth-delivered dietary intervention is feasible in MPN patients, with high participant engagement, especially in the Mediterranean diet group, and promising early signs of improved diet quality and symptom reduction.

2. Key Findings

  • Telehealth-delivered dietary counseling for MPN patients is feasible and well-engaged, particularly with the Mediterranean diet (96% dietitian visit attendance).
  • Participants in the Mediterranean diet arm significantly improved their overall diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (increasing from 55 to 63).
  • Preliminary symptom reductions were observed across both groups; 23% of Mediterranean and 13% of DASH participants achieved a substantial (≥50%) reduction in their total symptom score.
  • This study provides initial evidence that dietary changes might help address inflammation-driven symptoms and cardiovascular risk in MPN.

3. Practical Takeaways for Nutrition and Longevity

  • Adopting an anti-inflammatory eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet, can be a powerful strategy for improving overall health and managing chronic conditions. These diets emphasize whole foods, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein.
  • Don't underestimate the power of remote support: Telehealth counseling by a dietitian can be an effective and accessible way to make significant, positive changes to your diet.
  • Prioritizing diet quality through structured approaches like the Mediterranean or DASH diet can contribute to better well-being and potentially support longevity by reducing inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors.

4. Study Limitations

This was a small, short-term pilot study, meaning the findings are preliminary and require confirmation in larger, longer trials that include objective biological markers to fully assess the impact of dietary changes.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) experience chronic inflammation, elevated cardiovascular risk, and substantial symptom burden. Dietary patterns with anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects may represent a modifiable strategy to address these overlapping risks, yet dietary intervention has not been systematically studied in MPN. We evaluated the feasibility, engagement, and preliminary clinical signals of a fully remote dietary counseling intervention in adults with MPN. Methods: In this single-center, randomized, open-label pilot study, 28 adults with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, or primary myelofibrosis were randomized 1:1 to Mediterranean (MED) or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary counseling over 10 weeks. The protocol included a 2-week baseline run-in period, 10-week active intervention with four telehealth dietitian visits, and 4-week postintervention follow-up. Prespecified feasibility endpoints were the completion of dietitian visits, daily MPN Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS) surveys, Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaires, and Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall (ASA24) assessments. Exploratory endpoints included the change in Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) and symptom burden. Results: Twenty-seven participants provided data and were analyzed (14 MED, 13 DASH). Dietitian visit attendance was 96% (MED) and 85% (DASH). Daily symptom survey completion averaged 93% (MED) and 58% (DASH). MEDAS completion was 81% (MED) and 51% (DASH); ASA24 completion was 55% (MED) and 38% (DASH). HEI-2015 increased from 55 to 63 in MED during active intervention. At week 12, 23% of MED and 13% of DASH participants achieved ≥50% TSS reduction. Symptom reductions were observed across multiple domains. Conclusions: A fully remote dietary intervention is feasible in adults with MPN, with strong engagement in the Mediterranean arm. These findings support adequately powered trials incorporating biomarker endpoints to evaluate dietary modification as a strategy for inflammation-driven symptoms and cardiovascular risk in MPN.
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