At Columbia University, New York City, Dr. Aaron Katz, in an online publication of Integrative Cancer Therapies reported positive effects on both androgen dependent (AD) and androgen independent (AI) prostate cancer of Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) on both human and mouse prostate cancer cell lines (in the petrie dish). Dr. Kata, the lead researcher, reported that MCP inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Dr. Jun Yan, lead author, said, “Our findings clearly demonstrate that MCP possesses anti-prostate cancer properties in both androgen-dependent (hormonal sensitive) and androgen-independent (hormonal resistant) prostate cancer cells. These results strongly suggest that MCP can be a promising chemopreventive and therapeutic agent against this malignancy.”
Modified Citrus Pectin is derived from the pith of citrus fruit and then modified to meet specific molecular chain and weight characteristics. Their data suggests that MCP interferes with the binding properties of the prostate cancer cell surface, specifically with the proteins called galectins.
“Considering the low molecular weight of the MCP used in the study,” Dr. Yan continues, “we speculate that this new MCP will be more readily absorbed in the human body, which means that the relative concentration reaching the prostate gland will be greater. Therefore, taking this MCP may be an excellent way to prevent prostate cancer, given that prostate cancer is regarded as a preventable cancer. Moreover, this MCP may be an effective adjuvant medicine for cancer therapy.”
MCP binds to galectin proteins and prevents the prostate cancer cells from being able to adhere to each other and to the inner wall of blood vessels. This inhibits both tumor growth and angiogenesis. This study supports other prior studies of MCP with prostate cancer. These other studies demonstrated clinical benefit in men with advanced solid tumors, it also is able to lengthen PSA doubling time in men with recurrent and advanced prostate cancer.
Dr. Isaac Eliaz, who developed the Modified Citrus Pectin used in this syudy notes said, “Androgen-dependent prostate cancer is the more common type of prostate cancer, and the one more often found in localized and less aggressive disease. What is most significant is the ability of this specific type of MCP to induce apoptosis in androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines, which is the more aggressive cancer that can metastasize and lead to death. Slowing down the progression of this cancer has a direct effect on prolonging the life of these individuals.”
Dr. Eliaz also said, “The anti-metastatic role of MCP is well established. The fact that it can have a direct effect on the cancer itself makes it important in prevention, in early stage prostate cancer (which is usually hormonal sensitive-androgen dependent), and in later stage advanced prostate cancer. Its safety and the fact that it doesn’t work via hormonal induced mechanisms of action makes it an excellent agent to be used in conjunction with other therapies.”
Additional studies of MCP with prostate cancer are needed. If the results can be shown to be replicable in humans, MCP can be added to as a safe supplement for chemoprevention and for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Joel T Nowak, MA, MSW
Joel, I am 59 years old and have had prostate cancer for over 10 years. I have had a radical prostatectomy, salvage radiation, watchful waiting and now Lupron for the last 4 years. PSA hovering around .01. Modified citrus pectin is currently available. Do you see any downside in trying this given the recent encouraging Columbia University study?
Thanks for your research. I check your website often-Pete
Pete,
I can not see any reason not to try it. However, I believe the herb they used in the trial was not the same as is currently commercially available.
Dear Pete, Joel and other readers,
The Columbia University tested a specific Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) called PectaSol-C. The PectaSol brand is available through its manufacture EcoNugenics, Inc (www.econugenics.com). It has been on the market for over a decade. There are other MCPs on the market, as it is not a defined term, but they are not the same molecular weight and structure that can be absorbed into the circulation to find the prostate gland or other cancers in the body. The PectaSol brand has also been tested in two human clinical studies showing a decrease in the PSA doubling time and another study on advanced stage cancers of many types and quality of life.
Per the article, it’s not made from a herb – it’s made from the enzymatically treated pith of citrus fruit.
This seems very promising. My elderly father has PCa progressing on Degarelix so this looks great. The only issue is MCP seems to have a fair amount of potassium in it and my Dad’s level is already a little high.
My uncle is now 70 been fighting prostrate cancer on his own for 17 years, PSA is now at 2500 yes in the thousands, he has refused all treatment even bone scans, even chest xrays! he has been a vegetarien since the 60’s, he is still sharp, but in just in the last 2 years has become very thin…..until then he lived his life as normal as he possibly could….17 years….of fighting this disease on his own…he has been self catherizing for 2 years! would he have lived longer after treatment…most doctors have told us no….