Researchers may have found a sweet alternative for those in search of a breast cancer treatment that does not involve chemotherapy. Scientists at UCLA found Manuka honey showed promising results in a mouse study when it comes to reducing tumor size in estrogen resistance (ER)-positive breast cancer.
Researchers are in search of alternative treatments to improve long-term beast cancer survival and prevent the development of endocrine resistance. Endocrine resistance is a condition in which cancer cells escape pathways that allow them to survive in the presence of endocrine therapy.
It's a major hurdle in the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer, which is the most common subtype of breast cancer and makes up as many as 80 percent of cases in the U.S. Endocrine resistance is a major reason breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
Manuka honey has long been known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It's high in compounds like flavanoids and phytochemicals, as well as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Researchers theorize Manuka honey has the ability to block estrogen receptors which would make it an effective nutraceutical against breast cancer that is hormone sensitive like ER-positive breast cancer.
The UCLA scientists conducted a series of experiments in mice and in ER-positive MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Oral administration of Manuka honey resulted in significant reduction in tumor growth compared to control groups.
The Manuka honey reduced tumor growth in the mice with ER-positive breast cancer cells by 84 percent without affecting normal breast cells or causing major side effects. It also reduced the proliferation of cancer cells but did not affect the growth of normal human mammary epithelial cells which means it might specifically just target cancer cells.
The Manuka honey also enhanced the effectiveness of existing treatments like tamoxifen, which is an antiestrogen drug for ER-positive breast cancer therapy.
The findings show Manuka honey could possibly be developed into a natural supplement or stand alone treatment for ER-positive breast cancer, especially for those may experience resistance to traditional therapies.
"The findings provide hope for development of a natural, less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy," said Dr. Diana Marquez-Garban, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and the study's first author. "Although more research is necessary to fully understand the benefits of natural compounds in cancer therapy, this study establishes a strong foundation for further exploration in this area."