Dark sweet cherries may slow aggressive triple-negative breast cancer in mice

A Texas A&M study reports that anthocyanin-rich dark sweet cherry extract slowed tumor growth and reduced spread of triple-negative breast cancer in mice; researchers say more research is needed to determine whether the results apply to humans.

Researchers at Texas A&M reported that compounds in dark sweet cherries slowed tumor growth and reduced metastatic spread of triple-negative breast cancer in a mouse study. The team tested anthocyanins, pigments that give dark cherries their color, for effects on tumor growth and gene activity linked to metastasis and therapy resistance. Triple-negative breast cancer was described in the release as lacking estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2 expression, with fewer targeted treatment options and a higher risk of spreading. The study compared groups of mice given cherry extract, chemotherapy, both treatments, or no treatment. Study details: - The experiment used anthocyanin-rich dark sweet cherry extract in mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer, according to the university release. - Mice given cherry extract before tumors were introduced developed slower-growing tumors and continued to gain weight during the study, the researchers reported. - Mice treated with both the cherry extract and chemotherapy showed earlier tumor slowing and maintained weight compared with chemotherapy alone. - Chemotherapy alone slowed tumor growth later in the study, and some mice receiving chemotherapy experienced weight loss. - Mice that received no treatment experienced tumor growth and spread during the study period. - Researchers reported that anthocyanin treatment altered activity of genes associated with metastasis and therapy resistance. Summary: The study reports that anthocyanin-rich dark sweet cherry extract reduced tumor growth and metastatic spread in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer and affected gene activity tied to metastasis and therapy resistance. Researchers say these results are in animals and that more research is needed to determine whether similar effects occur in humans.