Current shreds of evidence on the anticancer role of EGCG in triple negative breast cancer: an update of the current state of knowledge

Abstract

Abstract Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), represents a subtype of breast cancer in which the estrogens receptor (ER) negative, the progesterone receptor (PR) negative and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative, are not expressed. Thusly, TNBC does not respond to hormonal therapies or to those targeting the HER2 protein receptors. To overcome this flawed issue, new alternative therapies based on the use of natural substances, as the (−) - epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), has been proposed. It is largely documented that EGCG, the principal constituent of green tea, has suppressive effects on different types of cancer, including breast cancer, through the regulation of different signaling pathways. Thus, is reasonable to assume that EGCG could be viewed as a therapeutic option for the prevention and the treatment of TNBC. Here, we summarizing these promising results with the scope of turn a light on the potential roles of EGCG in the treatment of TNBC patients.

Keywords

• Triple-negative breast cancer
• (−)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate
• Anticancer activity
• Apoptosis