What do we know about MCP and cancer?

Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is extracted from citrus peel and fruit and is processed, or “modified”, to make it more digestible and to increase absorption in the small intestine.  Most of our knowledge about the potential anti-cancer benefits of MCP comes from animal and cell studies, which show that it provides anti-adhesive and anti-metastatic benefits, and promotes and induces apoptosis of cancer cells by inhibiting galectin-3.  Galectin-3 is a protein in the lectin family that is over expressed in most cancers, including glioblastoma.  Galectin-3 affects cancer cell growth and differentiation, inhibits apoptosis (or programmed cell death) of cancer cells, suppresses immune response against cancer cells, facilitates angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and promotes inflammation, invasion and metastasis.  Suppressing galectin-3 inhibits these cancer promoting activities and helps chemotherapies and radiation work better.

Elevated galectin-3 is also associated with cognitive decline (suppressing galectin-3 is showing promise with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), poor heart function, and fibrotic diseases.  Studies have shown that MCP reduces nerve pain and inflammation after injury, preventing edema and neurological damage and impairment.  GBM patients may very well benefit from using MCP, but more studies are needed to further define the benefits.

A summary of human cancer studies:

-35 patients used MCP, 14.4 grams in 3 divided doses, and an increase in PSA doubling time was noted in 79% (Keizman et al., 2018)

-49 patients with various advanced cancers (colorectal, prostate, breast, kidney, lung, cervical/uterine, liver, pharynx, pancreatic, melanoma, stomach, bile duct, and chondrosarcoma) took 15 grams, in 3 divided doses.  This study had a high drop out rate, but still showed an overall clinical benefit response of 20.7% and improvement in quality of life measures, and 12 patients showed stabilized disease (Azémar et al., 2007)

-7 out of 10 men with prostate cancer were slower to see progression with the addition of MCP, 14.4 grams in 3 divided doses with 8oz water (Guess et al. 2003)

 -7 patients w/ recurrent prostate cancer took 15 grams a day and 4 of the 7 exhibited more than 30% lengthening of PSA doubling time (Strum et al., 1999)

MCP is available in capsule form, but it is best to get the powdered form if you want to mimic doses used in human studies.  That dose was around 15 grams, which is about 19 capsules, adding a big pill burden.  The powder offers 5 grams per teaspoon and can be added to juice or water. 

I have a couple of concerns with MCP.  First, it can potentially reduce your ability to absorb nutrients and medications if used in combination, and so it should be kept away from everything else.   If you are trying to take it 3 times a day, as in the human studies, this could really complicate your schedule.   I suggest using it in between meals and away from other supplements and prescription medications.  Second, it can cause loose stools and gas, so it should be introduced slowly to ensure tolerance.

You are welcome to create an account and order from my supplement dispensary, FullScript.

Please message me if you live outside the US and would like to order a good quality MCP product.