Yes, it’s that kind of resveratrol–that found in red wine. But with a technical twist to ensure it’s delivered properly.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of cancer that lacks three common receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth, which makes it particularly tricky to treat since most therapies target these receptors.
Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, peanuts, and berries, has been identified as a potential treatment for TNBC because it can interfere with various cancer growth pathways such as (PI3K/AKT, RAS/RAF/ERK, PKCδ, and AMPK).
This interference can lead to the death of cancer cells through a process initiated by the build-up of harmful molecules within the cells (ROS-mediated CHOP activation) and the increased presence of certain proteins (DR4 and DR5) that promote cell death.
Despite resveratrol’s potential, its effectiveness as a treatment is hampered by its poor biopharmaceutical properties, such as its inability to dissolve well in water, which results in low levels of the compound reaching the tumor site.
To overcome these limitations, a recent study suggests using nanotechnology to improve the delivery and effectiveness of resveratrol. Nanotechnology can enhance how a drug is absorbed, distributed, and accumulated at the target site, making the treatment more effective.
At the core of the research is an advanced nanotechnology-based formulation of resveratrol, such as oxidized mesoporous carbon nanoparticles, macrophage-derived vesicular systems, and functionalized gold nanoparticles.
These nano-formulations are designed to increase the concentration of resveratrol at the tumor site while minimizing effects on non-targeted areas of the body. This targeted approach not only makes the treatment more effective but also reduces potential side effects.
The expert research asserts that nano-engineered resveratrol could offer new, improved options for targeting and treating TNBC, including treatments that are guided by imaging techniques to precisely target the tumor.
This approach, referred to as a theranostic approach, combines therapy and diagnostic testing to tailor treatments to individual patients, potentially leading to better outcomes for those with TNBC–all without the calories of the nightly nip of red wine.
