The Link between Modifiable Risk Factors and Myeloid Disorders—From Plate to Pathogenesis

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia are myeloid cell disorders that exist on a spectrum. Modifiable risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, physical activity, dietary patterns, smoking, and the microbiome, have been implicated in myeloid cell disorder pathogenesis. Although the connection between these modifiable risk factors and their association with myeloid disorders has been studied, as of September 2025, no clinical trials are ongoing that evaluate whether lifestyle interventions can alter myeloid disorder disease progression. This article reviews myeloid disorders and their association with inflammation and how lifestyle interventions may influence disease progression. Significance: Myeloid disorders are associated with inflammation and metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes mellitus. Dietary and lifestyle modifications may directly influence the pathogenesis, development, and survival by addressing inflammatory and metabolic pathways. However, additional preclinical research and large prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. This review provides an overview on myeloid disorder pathogenesis and modifiable factors that influence it, which may guide future research to reduce the myeloid disorder burden and improve outcomes for patients with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia.