Fatigue Reduction Diet in Survivors of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas; a Preliminary Study

Fatigue is highly prevalent in survivors of diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Fatigue has been linked to chronic inflammation, and diets high in antioxidant nutrients (diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods) have been associated with lesser prevalence and severity of fatigue. Studies are needed, however, to test if antioxidant-rich diets could improve fatigue in this patient population. This fatigue-reducing diet (FRD) was shown to improve fatigue and sleep in breast cancer survivors compared to regular diet. This FRD diet aligns with the standard of care dietary recommendations for cancer survivors promoted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) . The purpose of this small preliminary study is to gather preliminary data to support a large randomized controlled trial. This study will provide nutritional counseling to 10 adult patients (18 years or older) with DLBCL who have completed their upfront chemotherapy treatment and remained in remission for 2 years prior to enrollment. The study will employ individualized dietary counseling, provided by a registered dietitian (RD), by phone or video teleconferencing. Phone counseling will be weekly for the first month, and then biweekly for the next two months, for a total of 8 phone sessions. Counseling sessions take ~15-30 minutes. Dietary intake will be assessed using an electronic food frequency questionnaire at baseline and 3 months. Fatigue will be assessed using an online survey at baseline and 3 months. The purpose of the study to ascertain the percentage of patients who are able to complete all the study questionnaires and visits and adhere to the fatigue reduction diet. Data obtained from this preliminary study would be used to support a well-powered future randomized trial of FRD vs regular diet in survivors of DLBCL.