Breakthrough Study: Modified Citrus Pectin Boosts Chemo’s Power against Ovarian Cancer

Picture of Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Breakthrough Study: Modified Citrus Pectin Boosts Chemo’s Power against Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers because it’s often detected at a late stage, with higher risk of resistance to frontline chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel (commonly sold as Taxol). However, a preclinical study from the University of Tehran and the Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention showed that Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) increased the effectiveness of paclitaxel against ovarian cancer cells. Results showed MCP worked through its ability to block excess galectin-3 proteins.

This study furthers our understanding of how excess galectin-3 fuels the growth and spread of chemo-resistant cancer.  The study showed for the first time that galectin-3 increases ovarian cancer cell proliferation and adhesion to collagen, and further substantiated previous findings that galectin-3 prevents apoptosis in cancer cells. (Apoptosis is the normal programmed cell death in a cell’s life cycle.) Moreover, the study showed that inhibition of galectin-3 by MCP sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to the chemotherapy drug. The anti-apoptosis effect of galectin-3 was reversed in the presence of MCP.

Modified Citrus Pectin and Ovarian Cancer

This study demonstrated that MCP may be a useful therapeutic agent in combination therapy for ovarian cancer. The authors note, “As paclitaxel has serious side effects, any agent that may lead to more effective cytotoxic effect or use of lower dose of this agent may be an interesting candidate for combination therapy. Our study demonstrated that MCP can sensitize ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel through inducing apoptosis, suggesting that the combined use of MCP and paclitaxel may be an effective way to decrease the dose of paclitaxel taken.”

As research into galectin-3 continues, MCP gains further recognition as an effective natural galectin-3 inhibitor, shown in preclinical and clinical studies to block the growth and spread of prostate, breast, and other types of cancer. MCP has also been shown to work synergistically with other anti-cancer drugs, increasing the effectiveness of doxorubicin, cisplatin, dexamethasone, as well as botanical therapies for both breast and prostate cancer.

Read the full-text study here: Synergistic Effects of PectaSol-C Modified Citrus Pectin an Inhibitor of Galectin-3 and Paclitaxel on Apoptosis of Human SKOV-3 Ovarian Cancer Cells. Hossein G, Keshavarz M, Ahmadi S, Naderi N. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2013;14(12):7561-8.

Subscribe to the

Ask Dr. Eliaz Newsletter

Share on:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Upcoming Events

Recent Posts

Close

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

You must read and understand our cancellation policy before making a reservation.

Cancellation and refund policies are put in place to ensure the smooth operation of the retreat and to protect the interests of all participants. By making a reservation for this retreat, you acknowledge and agree to the following cancellation policy:

  • On or Before July 1st: Full refund less 10% of your total purchase
  • July 2nd – July 31st: 50% refund of your total purchase
  • On or After August 1st: Non-refundable

Applicable refunds are calculated based on your total purchase, which includes retreat fees and additional nights purchased.

Timely Cancellation Notification: To be eligible for any potential refund, you must notify us of your cancellation at retreats@dreliaz.org and receive an acknowledgment within the timeframe specified in the cancellation policy above. Failure to provide timely notice will result in the forfeiture of your payments.

It is your responsibility to carefully review and understand the cancellation policy before making a reservation. We recommend also considering travel insurance or other forms of coverage to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that may require cancellation.

By making a reservation for this retreat, you agree to abide by the cancellation policy and release the organizers, facilitators, and any associated individuals from any liability, claims, or damages arising from cancellation and refund-related matters.

* Please note that the cancellation policy is subject to change at the discretion of the organizers. Any updates or modifications to the policy will be communicated to you in a timely manner.

Close
Retreat Schedule

RETREAT SCHEDULE*

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10TH

10:00AM-12:30PM – RETREAT OPENING & TEACHING
12:30PM-2:30PM – LUNCH BREAK
2:30PM-3:15PM – GUIDED HEALING
3:30PM-4:15PM – MOVEMENT CLASS
4:30PM-6:00PM – AFTERNOON TEACHING
6:00PM-6:30PM – SUNSET MEDITATION
6:45PM-8:00PM – DINNER
8:15PM-9:15PM – EVENING TEACHING

DAY 2: THURSDAY, SEPT. 11TH & DAY 3: FRIDAY, SEPT. 12TH

6:30AM-7:00AM – SUNRISE MEDITATION
7:00AM-8:00AM – MORNING TEACHING
8:15AM-9:00AM – BREAKFAST
9:15AM-10:00AM – MOVEMENT CLASS
10:00AM-12:30PM – TEACHING
12:30PM-2:30PM – LUNCH BREAK
2:30PM-3:30PM – HEALING SESSIONS
3:45PM-4:30PM – MOVEMENT CLASS
4:45PM-6:00PM – AFTERNOON TEACHING
6:00PM-6:30PM – SUNSET MEDITATION
6:45PM-8:00PM – DINNER
8:15PM-9:15PM – TEACHING & EVENING MEDITATION

DAY 4: SATURDAY, SEPT 13TH

6:30AM-7:00AM – SUNRISE MEDITATION
7:00AM-8:00AM – MORNING TEACHING
8:15AM-9:00AM – BREAKFAST
9:15AM-10:00AM – MOVEMENT CLASS
10:00AM-12:30PM – TEACHING
12:30PM-2:30PM – LUNCH BREAK
2:30PM-3:15PM – MOVEMENT CLASS
3:30PM-5:00PM – FINAL TEACHING & RETREAT CONCLUSION

*CHANGES MAY APPLY AND UPDATES WILL BE SHARED ACCORDINGLY

Close
Payment plan details

Payment plan consists of 3 installments and includes a $300 upcharge per registrant. The 1st installment is due upon purchase, the 2nd installment will be charged automatically to the card on file 30 days from initial payment and the 3rd installment will be changed 60 days from initial payment.

Payment Plan is available through June 1st.

Please note that the payment plan option is only available for the retreat itself. Any add-ons will be due along with the initial retreat payment and registration.

Payment Plan Breakdown

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
Three installments of $1932 each

SINGLE OCCUPANCY VIP
Three installments of $2765 each

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Three installments of $3230 each

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY VIP
Three installments of $4897 each

Close
RATES & FEES
Extended Daily Rate for Add-On Dates to Retreat

* Daily rate is exclusive of taxes and resort experience fee.

Applicable to these dates only (supplies are limited)

Sunday, September 7th
Monday, September 8th
Saturday, September 13th
Sunday, September 14th

Daily Rate Ocean View Room: $499*
>>> VIP Ocean View Suite Package Holders, please reach out to retreat@dreliaz.org to reserve additional nights.

Total Rate: $645.23
Room G.E.T. Tax 4.71% / Room T.A.T. Tax 13.25%

Fees Details
The daily resort experience fee of $48 plus tax includes self-parking, internet access, wellness & cultural classes, shuttle bus service, lei greeting, 1 branded reusable water bottle per registered guest, snorkle rental (one hour/day), and local & domestic long distance calls.