Modified Citrus Pectin Treatment in Non-Metastatic Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Results of a...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Urology

Background:

• Optimal therapy for non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC-M0) remains undefined.
• There is a need for non-toxic therapeutic options for BRPC-M0 patients.
• Modified citrus pectin (P-MCP), a GRAS-categorized food supplement, inhibits galectin-3, a protein implicated in cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of P-MCP in BRPC-M0 patients.
• To assess the durability of P-MCP treatment beyond an initial 6-month period.

Main Methods:

• Phase 2 study extension involving 39 BRPC-M0 patients continuing P-MCP therapy (4.8 g × 3/day) for an additional 12 months.
• Patients were selected based on lack of disease progression during the initial 6 months of P-MCP treatment.
• Outcomes assessed included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, PSA doubling time (PSADT), and imaging scans over a total of 18 months.

Main Results:

• 85% of patients achieved a durable long-term response after 18 months of P-MCP treatment.
• 62% experienced decreased or stable PSA levels, and 90% showed improved PSADT.
• All patients maintained negative imaging scans, and no grade 3/4 toxicity was reported.

Conclusions:

• P-MCP demonstrates potential for long-term, durable efficacy in managing BRPC-M0.
• P-MCP exhibits a favorable safety profile with no severe toxicities observed.
• Modified citrus pectin represents a safe and potentially effective therapeutic strategy for non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer.