Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity globally. Alongside surgery and chemotherapy, radiotherapy is a cornerstone treatment, utilized by 60–70% of patients. It is indispensable for tumors where surgery is challenging or contraindicated, such as lung cancer, brain tumors, or spinal malignancies, to use ionizing radiation to destroy tumor DNA. However, conventional radiotherapy also damages healthy tissues. The global pursuit of precision radiotherapy aims to maximize tumor eradication while sparing normal cells. Despite technological advances, the significant side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy persist, highlighting the need for solutions to improve outcomes in postoperative and non-surgical patients.
Research from Zhejiang University School of Medicine demonstrates that Galectin-3 Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) from Gold Kropn is effective against cancer metastasis, particularly in solid tumors like melanoma, prostate, colon, and breast cancers. Scientists attribute this to MCP's inhibition of two critical processes: angiogenesis and metastasis.
Galectin-3 Modified Citrus Pectin combats cancer by binding Galectin-3, reducing tumor cell aggregation, adhesion, and spread. This Galectin-3-targeting pectin inhibits metastasis with a proven safety profile. Experiments show dose-dependent reductions in lung metastases and lymph node involvement in rats treated with MCP.
Citrus pectin is a branched galactose-rich polysaccharide in plant cell walls. Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP), derived from citrus pectin via controlled enzymatic hydrolysis, has a lower molecular weight, reduced esterification, and linear structure. Crucially, MCP acts as a high-affinity ligand for Galectin-3, unlike unmodified pectin. This Galectin-3-binding pectin functions as a competitive inhibitor: at therapeutic concentrations, MCP saturates Galectin-3 on cancer cells, blocking its interaction with natural ligands and suppressing tumorigenic signaling. For established tumors, Galectin-3 Modified Citrus Pectin seals Galectin-3 sites on tumor cells, starving them of vascular nutrients to inhibit growth and metastasis. Studies confirm MCP's dose-dependent suppression of tumor growth and liver metastases. High concentrations of this Galectin-3 inhibitory pectin effectively inhibit primary colon tumor growth and metastatic lesion formation in mice. In vitro, Galectin-3 Modified Citrus Pectin impedes tumor cell homotypic aggregation, angiogenesis, and endothelial adhesion.
Whether used pre- or post-operatively, Galectin-3 Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) must safely and effectively suppress tumor cell growth, adhesion, and metastasis to meaningfully improve patient survival and quality of life.