Lee Swanson Research Update

Modified Citrus Pectin May Slow Prostate Cancer Recurrence

January 2004

Many men who are treated for prostate cancer face the probability that the disease will return. Current research brings new hope. Pectin, a nutrient found in citrus fruits, may help men with recurrent prostate cancer, according to a study published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases.

Study results showed that modified citrus pectin caused prostate cells to take longer to produce prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Doctors use PSA to monitor prostate cancer recurrences after surgery. When PSA production is slowed down, tumor growth is slowed down.

The study involved 13 men with prostate cancer and biochemical PSA failure after localized treatment, that is, radical prostatectomy, radiation or cryosurgery. All 13 men were evaluated for tolerability of modified citrus pectin and 10 of those men were evaluated for efficacy of the pectin treatment.

The subjects took 800 mg of modified citrus pectin daily. They also continued their regular routine: medications, diet and other nutritional supplements. Fourteen months later, 70% of the men had significant increases in the time it took to produce PSA.

The study concluded: "This study suggests that modified citrus pectin may lengthen the prostate-specific antigen doubling time in men with recurrent prostate cancer."

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases 6(4):301-304, 2003

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