Modified Citrus Pectin Fights Resistant Cancer Cells.

Preliminary research published in the December issue of Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Disease has shown that modified citrus pectin (MCP) may fight resistant prostate cancer cells. Thirteen men with prostate cancer that did not respond to conventional treatment, including surgery and radiation, were treated with 14.4 grams MCP daily for one year. Seven of the 10 men who completed the study experienced a slower rise in PSA than before taking the supplement.1 The researchers interpreted the slower rise in PSA as a sign of the tumors being less aggressive.

The current study by Guess et al supports earlier data that showed MCP slowed PSA-doubling time in human prostate cancer patients. In 1999 Strum et al examined the effect of MCP on PSA-doubling time in seven prostate cancer patients. Four of the seven patients experienced more than 30-percent lengthening of PSA-doubling time.2 In addition, animal and in vitro studies have shown antimetastatic activity of MCP in other cancer cell types, including breast, colon, and skin cancer cells.3

Citrus pectin occurs naturally in citrus peels, but is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream. MCP is modified in a manner that allows it to enter the blood stream. Once in the blood stream MCP is thought to block cell surface proteins that are used by cancer cells to attach to each other and form aggregates. Research indicates that once cancer cells form an aggregate the have the potential to spread and metastasize.

References:
1. Guess BW, Scholz MC, Strum SB, et al. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) increases the prostate-specific antigen doubling time in men with prostate cancer: a phase II pilot study. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2003;6:301-304.
2. Strum S, Scholtz M, McDermed J, et al. Modified citrus pectin slows PSA doubling time: a pilot clinical trial. Presentation: International Conference on Diet and Prevention of Cancer, Tampere, Finland. May 28, 1999-June 2, 1999.
3. [No authors listed]. Modified citrus pectin-monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2000;5:573-575.

Monographs:
Alternative Medicine Review Citrus Pectin Monograph (PDF)