In September 2026, physician Dr. Farrah Agustin-Bunch said in an Instagram reel that MK615, a Japanese apricot extract, kills over 95% of pancreatic cancer cells in the lab and halted tumors in mice when combined with gemcitabine. However, a closer look at the studies on MK615 reveals a more nuanced picture.
Background And History
MK615 is an extract from Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) containing cyclic triterpenes like oleanolic and ursolic acids, according to a 2013 study. The extract has been shown to inhibit the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo through a reactive oxygen species-dependent mechanism. A 2008 study found that MK615 inhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells by dual inhibition of Aurora A and B kinases. The Japanese apricot itself has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries, according to a 2020 review; MK615 is a modern extract of it.
The Studies On MK615
A 2019 Phase I trial enrolled five patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer to test MK615 plus gemcitabine. The results showed that no patients achieved an objective response, but two of the five patients (40%) had disease control, defined as stable disease. The trial concluded that the combination was well-tolerated and showed antitumor activity. The sample was small, and more robust evidence of anticancer activity in humans is still awaited, according to a 2020 review. The numbers indicate that while MK615 may have some antitumor effects, the current evidence is limited, and further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Mechanism And Current Status
MK615 induces reactive oxygen species-dependent cell death in cancer cells while sparing normal cells in lab settings, according to a 2013 study. The mechanism of action involves the inhibition of Aurora A and B kinases, which are involved in cell cycle regulation. Currently, MK615 is sold in Japan as a supplement, not as an approved cancer drug. Patients are advised to consult oncologists before adding supplements due to potential interactions with chemotherapy, as one patient in the Phase I trial experienced grade 4 neutropenia.
Conclusion And Next Steps
In conclusion, while the viral claim about MK615 killing over 95% of pancreatic cancer cells in the lab is supported by some studies, the current evidence in humans is limited to a small Phase I trial with no objective responses. A 2020 review concluded that more robust evidence of anticancer activity in humans is still awaited. As with any supplement or experimental treatment, it is essential to talk to your doctor or oncologist before adding MK615 to your treatment regimen, as they can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and make informed decisions about your care.
Traditional Medicine And Cultural Significance
The Japanese apricot, also known as Prunus mume, has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for over 2000 years, according to a 2020 review. The fruit of the Prunus mume tree is used in various culinary and medicinal preparations, and its extracts have been shown to have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antibacterial effects.
The use of Prunus mume extracts to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy, such as drug-induced gastro-intestinal toxicities, is also reviewed in the literature. The medicinal use of the flesh of the fruits is cited in ancient Japanese monographies, such as Shokokukodenhiho published in 1817.
Prunus mume has a long plantation history in China and has been widely planted in Asia due to its high ornamental value and the culinary, nutritional, and medicinal potential of the fruits. The therapeutic potential of the extract of Japanese apricot “Ume” has been regularly reported over the past 20 years, with anti-bacterial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties described.
Chemical Composition And Active Compounds
MK615 is derived from the Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) and contains a variety of cyclic triterpenes, including oleanolic and ursolic acids, according to a 2013 study. These compounds are believed to contribute to the extract’s antitumor effects. Oleanolic acid, in particular, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antineoplastic properties. Ursolic acid is also known for its ability to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. The presence of these bioactive compounds in MK615 may explain its observed inhibitory effects on pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
The 2013 study also highlights that MK615 induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent cell death in cancer cells, which may be a key mechanism behind its antitumor activity. This mechanism is distinct from the dual inhibition of Aurora A and B kinases reported in a 2008 study, indicating that MK615 may exert its effects through multiple pathways. The combination of these mechanisms may enhance its potential as an anticancer agent. However, further research is needed to fully understand the role of each compound in the extract and how they interact to produce the observed effects.
Future Research Directions And Clinical Development
The 2019 Phase I trial of MK615 in combination with gemcitabine in patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer enrolled five patients, according to a 2019 report. The trial found that no patients achieved an objective response, but two of the five patients (40%) had disease control, defined as stable disease. The study concluded that the combination was well-tolerated and showed antitumor activity, with no cases of febrile neutropenia or adverse events leading to death. The researchers noted that relative dose intensity was 96.6% for MK615 and 69.8% for gemcitabine, respectively, and that one of the five patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia. The trial also indicated that the team was planning phase II trials for elderly or frail patients, highlighting the potential for further exploration of MK615 in specific patient populations.
Based on the findings from the Phase I trial and previous preclinical studies, the investigators emphasized the need for larger, more comprehensive trials to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of MK615 in combination with gemcitabine. The Phase I trial results provided a foundation for future research, particularly in identifying the optimal dosing regimens and determining the potential role of MK615 in treating pancreatic cancer in patients who may not be candidates for more aggressive therapies. The trial also noted that further investigation into the mechanisms of action of MK615, particularly its ability to induce reactive oxygen species and inhibit cancer cell proliferation, could provide additional insights into its therapeutic potential.
Sources
- MK615 inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth by dual inhibition of Aurora A and B kinases.
- Antitumor effect of Japanese apricot extract (MK615) on human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo through a reactive oxygen species-dependent mechanism.
- A phase I fixed-dose feasibility study of MK615 and gemcitabine in patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer – Lifeboat News: The Blog
- Anticancer properties of Prunus mume extracts (Chinese plum, Japanese apricot).
Photo: Kakidai (CC BY-SA 3.0)
