The Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementations on anti-Tumor Drugs in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Nutr Cancer. 2021;73(2):196-205. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1743873. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises about 10-20% of all diagnosed breast cancers. Increasing evidence shows that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, can influence the development, progression, and prognosis of TNBC In Vivo and In Vitro; however, clinical evidence supporting the effect of ω-3PUFAs on TNBC is lacking. Research has demonstrated that ω-3PUFAs can induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway, and that ω-3PUFAs can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. Using ω-3PUFA supplementation in addition to pharmacotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer may result in enhanced anti-tumor effects that will be particularly applicable to difficult to treat phenotypes such as TNBC. The aim of the current review was to summarize the evidence-base supporting the antitumor effects of omega-3 PUFAs in TNBC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3