Study Suggests Cherries May Slow Progression of Aggressive Breast Cancer

Study Suggests Cherries May Slow Progression of Aggressive Breast Cancer
———————————
A recent medical study suggests that cherries may contain natural compounds capable of slowing the progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.

Researchers at the University of Texas focused on this type of cancer because it lacks three key receptors typically targeted by conventional treatments, making it more resistant to therapy and more likely to spread. The team examined the effects of antioxidants known as Anthocyanins extracted from cherries on the disease.

In laboratory experiments conducted on mice, scientists administered an anthocyanin-rich cherry extract before tumors developed. The researchers observed a noticeable slowdown in tumor growth, with no signs of toxicity associated with the compound.

The study also found that the most significant impact of anthocyanins was on cancer metastasis. According to the researchers, the compound reduced the spread of cancer cells to the lungs, the most common site for metastasis in this type of breast cancer. Mice that received anthocyanins showed a significantly smaller area of metastatic spread in their lungs compared with those that did not receive the compound.

In addition, the researchers reported that anthocyanins appeared to reduce the activity of genes linked to treatment resistance, inflammation, and the spread of cancer cells. When combined with the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin, the anti-tumor effect appeared earlier than when the drug was used alone.