Metastatic breast cancer: can plants change the game?

#Oncology #MetastaticBreastCancer #MBC #PlantMetabolites  


Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) represents the most advanced stage of the disease and remains incurable despite major therapeutic progress. It is responsible for the majority of breast cancer–related deaths. Current treatments—hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy—extend survival but do not eliminate the disease, while causing significant side effects and long-term resistance.  

Faced with the limitations of conventional treatments, research is increasingly exploring the potential of natural compounds, particularly plant-derived metabolites and functional foods. These have attracted growing interest for their chemopreventive, anti-tumor, and synergistic effects with existing therapies. However, challenges persist, such as the poor bioavailability of certain compounds, the absence of robust clinical trials, and the complexity of molecular interactions.  

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-metastatic properties of selected plant metabolites and the potential role of functional foods in the prevention and treatment of metastatic breast cancer.  

What can plant compounds really do?  

Various categories of plant compounds were analyzed. Polyphenols such as curcumin (from turmeric), resveratrol (from grapes), and EGCG (from green tea) demonstrate anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects, targeting pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR. Other molecules, including flavonoids (quercetin, genistein), terpenoids (limonene, betulin), and alkaloids (vinblastine, camptothecin), also show inhibitory effects on metastatic cancer cells.  

The study also highlights the role of functional foods rich in natural antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins. Foods such as broccoli, soy, red berries, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables are associated with reduced tumor progression and modulation of the tumor microenvironment.    

Nature and cancer — an alliance to be supervised  

Metastatic breast cancer, an aggressive and still incurable disease, is pushing research toward alternative therapeutic strategies. This review examined the potential of plant-based compounds and functional foods as complementary options to conventional therapies. The findings suggest credible anti-tumor effects, particularly in inhibiting proliferation, migration, and survival of cancer cells, with notable synergistic potential alongside current treatments.  

However, clinical translation remains limited due to low bioavailability, variability in natural formulations, lack of standardization, and unpredictable individual responses. To overcome these obstacles, rigorous clinical trials are needed, along with improved formulation and stability of active ingredients, and detailed evaluation of side effects and potential interactions.  

Ultimately, a personalized approach integrating nutrition, tumor biology, and phytopharmacology could foster the emergence of new integrative oncology strategies better adapted to the specific needs of patients.   

Read next: Eugenol: clove against cancer?

About the author – Ana Espino
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions through impactful communication.