Natural compounds in dark sweet cherries may help slow the growth and spread of one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, according to new research from Texas A&M University.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, AgriLife Research, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), focused on anthocyanins—plant pigments that give cherries their deep red color—and their effects on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype known for its limited treatment options and high risk of metastasis.
Targeting a Difficult Cancer
“Triple-negative breast cancer is considered ‘the worst’ because it is more aggressive, higher grade, and has a higher mitotic index, meaning the cancer cells divide quickly,” said Dr. Giuliana Noratto, an AgriLife Research associate research scientist. “These characteristics make it more likely to spread to distant organs and recur compared to other breast cancer types.”
Unlike other breast cancers, TNBC lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and does not express the HER2 protein—a growth-promoting molecule that helps regulate cell division. This absence of molecular targets limits treatment options and increases the likelihood of metastasis, particularly to the lungs and brain.
Slowing Tumor Growth and Spread
The researchers examined not just tumor size but also metastatic spread, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. “A large primary tumor that does not metastasize may be more manageable, even curable if removed,” Noratto explained.
In the study, mice were divided into four groups: a control group, a group receiving anthocyanins before tumor implantation, a group treated with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin after tumor development, and a group receiving both anthocyanins and chemotherapy. This design allowed the team to test anthocyanins as a preventive strategy and evaluate their potential to enhance chemotherapy efficacy.
Mice given anthocyanin-rich cherry extracts before tumor implantation experienced slower tumor growth without side effects and maintained steady weight gain. In contrast, chemotherapy alone slowed tumor growth later in the study, and some mice experienced weight loss. The combination of anthocyanins and chemotherapy led to earlier tumor suppression while preserving body weight.
Genetic and Tissue-Level Effects
Analysis of tumor gene activity revealed that anthocyanins, alone or combined with chemotherapy, reduced the expression of genes associated with metastasis and therapy resistance. The treatment also decreased the spread of cancer to the lungs and other organs, including the liver, heart, kidneys, and spleen.
Dr. Lauren Stranahan, a veterinary pathologist at VMBS, conducted detailed tissue studies to assess how these molecular changes translated into physical effects. Histological analysis showed variations in mitotic index, tissue necrosis, and immune cell infiltration, particularly T lymphocytes, which play a critical role in targeting cancer cells.
“When evaluating cancer aggressiveness, we also look at whether the tumor is suppressing T-cells that are coming after it,” Stranahan said.
Diet-Derived Compounds as Complementary Strategies
The findings reinforce a growing understanding in oncology that no single treatment is sufficient to combat cancer. Noratto emphasized that diet-derived compounds like anthocyanins could support standard therapies by targeting cancer-related pathways that existing treatments may not fully address.
Stranahan also highlighted the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration, noting that combining expertise from multiple fields strengthens the rigor and perspective of complex research.
Looking Ahead
While the results are promising, the researchers caution that further studies are needed to evaluate how anthocyanins influence tumor behavior in humans, including safety, absorption, and interaction with standard therapies.
“This publication is dedicated to the memory of Burdette Jerome ‘BJ’ Thurlby, late president of the Washington State Fruit Commission, whose support for cherry research has left a lasting impact on the scientific community,” Noratto said.
