Pectins?

ppp · Regular Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 29 Location: UK

Has anyone here tried modified citrus pectic or fractionated pectin powder? I've looked at the research papers in pubmed and it looks like a safe, bioavailable and tested supplement with good indications against metastases and tumour invasion. I would just like to hear from anyone who has tried it.

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 1003 Location: UK

While I have great respect for pubmed, with something of this kind you need to consider the bases of the research papers [who funded the research? Where was it carried out? What numbers were involved in the research?] to establish the viability of the reports. I am cautious aboutr "new ideas" of this kind. Some citrus fruits are not as good for you as is generally touted - they can produce allergic responses.

You do not indicate if you are already a cancer sufferer, or are just trying to prevent something happening. It helps to know where exactly you stand.

If you think pectins will help you, and there is nothing in the reports to indicate adverse response, then try it.

ppp · Regular Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 29 Location: UK

[quote="Vee Smith"]While I have great respect for pubmed, with something of this kind you need to consider the bases of the research papers [who funded the research? Where was it carried out? What numbers were involved in the research?] to establish the viability of the reports. I am cautious aboutr "new ideas" of this kind. Some citrus fruits are not as good for you as is generally touted - they can produce allergic responses.

You do not indicate if you are already a cancer sufferer, or are just trying to prevent something happening. It helps to know where exactly you stand.

If you think pectins will help you, and there is nothing in the reports to indicate adverse response, then try it.[/quote]

I am a parent with a son who has cancer. I do take your points, but the papers are from respectable institutions and there are no conflicts of interest declared in them. I'm happy about the science, but it was personal experiences that I was looking for.

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 1003 Location: UK

I am sorry about your son - what cancer is he suffering from? The reports do indicate that the research has been with prostate cancer and melanoma, but not with other cancers.

I can only repeat - if there are no contraindications, and you discuss the intention with your son's oncology team, why not give pectins a go and report back on what happens?

ppp · Regular Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 29 Location: UK

He has osteosarcoma of the mandible - this is his third cancer now (he has a genetic condition called Li Fraumeni Syndrome, which means he has a defective p53 gene).

Although none of the research has been done on osteosarcoma, all of the papers suggest that the pectins work by binding to a protein called Galectin-3, and there is a paper which shows that this is expressed by a range of osteosarcoma cells as well. Blocking the expression of Galectin-3 cells using monoclonal antibodies in osteosarcoma slowed proliferation and invasion, which is good. My assumption would be that blocking Galectin-3 with pectins would have the same effect.

I guess nobody who visits this forum has tried them.

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 1003 Location: UK

So go with it and see if it helps.

And the best of luck with any treatment for your son.

ppp · Regular Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 29 Location: UK

Thanks.

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2403

I've never heard of them either, but heck, I was willing to take my husband to Lourdes if need be, along with his regular treatment. I also tried a couple of supplements when he wasn't actively being treated to see if they helped. When it's a child? I can't even imagine. God bless in this most difficult of situations.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

ppp · Regular Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 29 Location: UK

[quote="pbj11"]God bless in this most difficult of situations.

PBJ[/quote]

Thanks. It's a really hard time as we've just had it confirmed that there's a recurrence of the tumour that was excised in March.

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