Changes in Dietary Components and Fatigue Scores in Lymphoma Survivors Completing a Remote Dietary Intervention to Reduce Fatigue

OBJECTIVES: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common yet underreported side effect among lymphoma survivors. Prior research among breast cancer survivors showed that dietary interventions can reduce CRF. The objective of this project was to evaluate change in self-reported fatigue, diet quality, and dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) intake among lymphoma survivors completing a remote dietary intervention to reduce fatigue. METHODS: Participants were recruited from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to participate in a pilot study of a 12-week remotely delivered dietary intervention to reduce fatigue. Eligible participants were adults who had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, completed initial chemo/immunotherapy, and were in remission for 2 years. The 12-week Fatigue Reduction Diet (FRD) intervention was administered by a registered dietitian over 4 weekly and 4 bi-weekly sessions. Participants substituted daily food choices for a diet high in whole grains, vegetables, fruit, fatty fish, and n-3PUFA-rich plant-based foods. Diet was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using VioScreen, an electronic food frequency questionnaire. Self-reported fatigue levels were assessed at baseline and post-intervention electronically using the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form v1.0 - Fatigue 7a questionnaire. RESULTS: Ten participants enrolled; nine completed the intervention. Average Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015 scores and total n-3PUFA levels increased significantly from baseline to post-intervention (mean[SD] change 16.31[7.42], p = 0.0002; and 0.37[0.39], p = 0.0216, respectively). Average fatigue t-scores improved significantly from baseline to post-intervention (mean[SD] change −4.62[5.21], p = 0.0287). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention resulted in significant improvements in self-reported fatigue and HEI 2015 scores, a validated measure of diet quality. The preliminary findings suggest that the FRD intervention may be an effective approach to improve diet quality among older lymphoma survivors. Further research is warranted. FUNDING SOURCES: College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University.