Haematological and Biochemical Changes During Adjunctive Biobran (MGN-3) Treatment in Patients with Haematological Malignancies: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Biobran (MGN-3), a rice bran-derived arabinoxylan compound, has demonstrated immunomodulatory properties. However, evidence regarding its haematological effects and safety in patients with haematological malignancies remains limited. This study evaluated haematological changes and clinical tolerability during adjunctive Biobran administration.

Methods: This prospective, single-center, single-arm study was conducted at Green Life Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 22 newly diagnosed patients with haematological malignancies were enrolled between May and December 2024 and followed up through June 2026. All patients received oral Biobran (MGN-3) at 1 g/day alongside conventional anticancer treatment. Haematological parameters were assessed across five visits, while liver and kidney function were evaluated across four visits. Cytopenias, adverse events, supportive medication use, and hospitalisation were also recorded.

Results: Mean haemoglobin increased from 9.7 ± 1.6 to 11.2 ± 0.7 g/dL, and RBC count increased from 3.41 ± 0.63 to 3.84 ± 0.38 × 10¹²/L (both p < 0.001). Anaemia prevalence decreased from 54.5% to 4.5%. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts fluctuated significantly across visits (all p < 0.001), without significant baseline-to-final differences. Serum albumin increased (p < 0.001), while creatinine decreased (p = 0.024) and eGFR increased (p = 0.032). Modest increases in bilirubin and AST were observed. Nausea or vomiting (72.7%), anorexia (68.2%), and weight loss (63.6%) were frequently reported. Antibiotic or antifungal use occurred in 31.8%, and hospitalisation in 18.2%.

Conclusion: Haematological improvement and modest changes in liver and kidney function were observed during adjunctive Biobran administration. However, its independent efficacy and safety could not be established because of the small sample size, heterogeneous treatments, and absence of a control group. Larger controlled studies are warranted.