Exploring the potential of pectin in melanoma treatment

​What is MELANOMA? Melanoma can occur in adults of all age groups and predominantly affects whites. Epidemiologic studies suggest that sunlight, especially exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, is the most important factor in the development of melanoma. Cutaneous melanoma can occur on any surface of the skin and can be detected in asymptomatic persons. Screening for melanoma involves checking if the lesions are asymmetric; have irregular borders; have color change; have a diameter of more than 6 mm. Commonly, these lesions are located on the back and trunk of men and the lower extremities of women. Melanoma skin cancer is a rising problem, due to thinning of the ozone layer; and excessive, intermittent sun exposures, particularly among individuals who travel to sunny regions during the winter. Prevention can be done by limiting sun exposure. The guidelines recommend avoiding or limiting sun exposure from 10 am to 4 pm when the ultraviolet rays are the strongest. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirt and pants, and use sunscreens to minimize exposure. Finally, limit direct sun exposure whenever possible. What is PECTIN? Pectins are found in all plant cell walls, outer skin, rind of fruits and vegetables. The rind of an orange contains 30 percent pectin, an apple peel 15 percent, and onion skins 12 percent. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a complex sugar obtained from the peel and pulp of citrus fruits. MCP is rich in short-chain galactose-rich carbohydrates. These shorter chains dissolve more readily in water and are better absorbed and utilized by the body than ordinary long-chain pectin. MCP appears to reduce the risk of metastasis, the spread of cancerous cells to other sites in the body. Metastasis occurs first with cancer cells clumping together. Galectins are proteins on the surface of cancer cells that bind to molecules of sugar glucose. The more galectins present, the easier for the cancer cells to clump together and metastasize. According to preliminary research, MCP binds to the galectins. By doing so, it blocks the cancer cells ability to clump and spread. Lab studies suggest that MCP is best used in preventing the metastasis of breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Not many human data are available yet, but initial results appear promising. The typical dosage recommendation for adults is 6 to 30 grams daily in divided doses. MCP powder is usually dissolved by blending in water or juice.

​Bill is 35 years old. He has worked for the past 12 years as a landscaper in South Florida. What risk factors placed Bill at an increased risk for MELANOMA? If you have light complexion, with blond or red hair, or blue eyes, have a higher risk of melanoma than the general population. People who experienced 5 or more severe sunburns in their lifetime, especially during adolescence, along with sun exposure, and use of tanning beds at an early age have been associated with an increased risk of melanoma. For Bill, constant exposure to sun is the most important risk factor for melanoma. Can PECTIN help?

​References Koda-Kimble, Mary Anne. Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. 9th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009. Murray, Michael, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. Simon and Schuster, 2005.