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Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Growth Inhibitory Efficacy of Chinese Herbs in a Cellular Model for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Nitin T Telang1, Hareesh B Nair2, George Y C Wong3,4
1Cancer Prevention Research Program, Palindrome Liaisons Consultants, Montvale, NJ 07645, USA.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor-α progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2. Treatment for this breast cancer subtype is restricted to multidrug chemotherapy and survival pathway-based molecularly targeted therapy. The long-term treatment options are associated with systemic toxicity, spontaneous and/or acquired tumor resistance and the emergence a of drug-resistant stem cell population. These limitations lead to advanced stage metastatic cancer. Current emphasis is on research directions that identify efficacious, naturally occurring agents representing an unmet need for testable therapeutic alternatives for therapy resistant breast cancer. Chinese herbs are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine in women for estrogen related health issues and also for integrative support for cancer treatment. This review discusses published evidence on a TNBC model for growth inhibitory effects of several mechanistically distinct nontoxic Chinese herbs, most of them nutritional in nature, and identifies susceptible pathways and potential molecular targets for their efficacy. Documented anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of these herbs are associated with downregulation of RB, RAS, PI3K, and AKT signaling, modulation of Bcl-2/BAX protein expressions and increased caspase activity. This review provides a proof of concept for Chinese herbs as testable alternatives for prevention/therapy of TNBC.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatments face challenges like toxicity and resistance. This review highlights Chinese herbs as potential, non-toxic alternatives, showing promise in inhibiting TNBC growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies, relying on chemotherapy with significant side effects.
- Current treatments for TNBC are limited and often lead to drug resistance and metastasis.
- There is a critical need for novel, less toxic therapeutic alternatives for TNBC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of Chinese herbs as potential therapeutic agents against TNBC.
- To identify molecular pathways and targets affected by Chinese herbs in TNBC models.
- To provide evidence for Chinese herbs as viable alternatives for TNBC prevention and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies on Chinese herbs and TNBC models.
- Analysis of documented anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects.
- Identification of signaling pathways and molecular targets modulated by herb treatments.
Main Results:
- Several non-toxic Chinese herbs demonstrated significant growth inhibitory effects on TNBC.
- Herbal treatments were associated with downregulation of RB, RAS, PI3K, and AKT signaling pathways.
- Modulation of Bcl-2/BAX protein expression and increased caspase activity were observed.
Conclusions:
- Chinese herbs show potential as effective and non-toxic alternatives for TNBC therapy.
- These herbs target key signaling pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation and survival.
- Further research can establish Chinese herbs as evidence-based options for TNBC treatment.
