Bioactive Natural Compounds in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited targeted therapies and high recurrence rates.
• Conventional treatments for TNBC face challenges including drug resistance, toxicity, and recurrence.
• Natural products are emerging as promising agents due to their ability to target multiple hallmarks of TNBC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of natural compounds in targeting TNBC hallmarks.
• To explore the potential of natural products in overcoming therapeutic resistance in TNBC.
• To examine synergistic applications of natural products with conventional therapies for improved TNBC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on natural compounds and TNBC.
• Analysis of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, marine-derived molecules).
• Examination of effects on oncogenic pathways, drug resistance, and the tumor immune microenvironment.

Main Results:

• Natural compounds exhibit pleiotropic antitumor effects against TNBC.
• These compounds can counteract therapeutic resistance mechanisms.
• Natural products modulate the tumor immune microenvironment and enhance standard therapy efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Natural products offer multifunctional therapeutic potential for TNBC.
• Integration with advanced drug delivery and personalized medicine enhances their utility.
• Natural product-based strategies may provide more effective, less toxic, and individualized treatments for TNBC.