Metastatic breast cancer: can plants change the game?

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.