Nutrients (Aug 2023)

Modified Citrus Pectin Treatment in Non-Metastatic Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Phase II Study

  • Daniel Keizman,
  • Moshe Frenkel,
  • Avivit Peer,
  • Eli Rosenbaum,
  • David Sarid,
  • Ilan Leibovitch,
  • Roy Mano,
  • Ofer Yossepowitch,
  • Ido Wolf,
  • Ravit Geva,
  • David Margel,
  • Keren Rouvinov,
  • Anat Stern,
  • Hadas Dresler,
  • Igal Kushnir,
  • Isaac Eliaz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163533
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 16
p. 3533

Abstract

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The optimal therapy for patients with non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC-M0) after local therapy is elusive. Thus, the evaluation of new non-toxic compounds in BRPC-M0 patients is warranted. PectaSol®-Modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) is a food supplement categorized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. It is a competitive inhibitor of the galectin-3 protein, which is involved in cancer pathogenesis. In an early report of the present phase 2 study, P-MCP treatment for 6 months led to prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) improvement in 75% of patients with BRPC-M0. Herein, we report the second long-term treatment phase of an additional 12 months of P-MCP therapy (4.8 g × 3/day orally) in patients without disease progression after the initial 6 months of therapy. Of the 46 patients that entered the second treatment phase, 7 patients withdrew consent and decided to continue therapy out of pocket, and 39 initiated the second treatment phase. After a total of 18 months of P-MCP treatment, 85% (n = 33) had a durable long-term response, with 62% (n = 24) showing decreased/stable PSA, 90% (n = 35) PSADT improvement, and all with negative scans. No patient had grade 3/4 toxicity. In conclusion, P-MCP may have long-term durable efficacy and is safe in BRPC-M0.

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