Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
09:29

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model

Published on: March 20, 2020

17.8K

Overcoming the Challenges of Phytochemicals in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy: The Path Forward

Mohammed Alaouna1,2, Clement Penny2, Rodney Hull1

  • 1SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.

Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Phytochemicals show promise for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Further research is needed to overcome bioavailability challenges and develop effective delivery for these natural compounds in TNBC therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking key receptor expression.
  • TNBC progression involves Wnt, Notch, TGF-beta, and VEGF signaling pathways, promoting invasion and metastasis.
  • Phytochemicals, natural plant compounds, are being investigated for their therapeutic potential against TNBC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic promise of phytochemicals for triple-negative breast cancer.
  • To discuss challenges and future directions for phytochemical-based TNBC treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on phytochemicals and TNBC.
  • Analysis of phytochemical mechanisms targeting key signaling pathways in TNBC.
  • Evaluation of bioavailability and clinical evidence for phytochemicals.

Main Results:

  • Specific phytochemicals like curcumin, resveratrol, and EGCG inhibit TNBC-associated pathways.
  • Limited bioavailability and lack of robust clinical data hinder current phytochemical use.
  • Potential for phytochemicals to target cell invasion and metastasis in TNBC.

Conclusions:

  • Phytochemicals represent a promising avenue for TNBC therapy.
  • Enhanced delivery systems are crucial for realizing the full therapeutic potential of phytochemicals.
  • Continued research is essential to advance phytochemicals as viable TNBC treatment options.
Keywords:
Wntangiogenesisapoptosisepithelial to mesenchymal transitionmetastasisphytomedicinetyrosine kinase

More Related Videos

Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module10:39

Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module

Published on: June 18, 2015

13.2K
Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment11:13

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment

Published on: June 9, 2023

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.7K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.0K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
7.8K
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
6.2K
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.1K