A new study has elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, exerts anti-cancer effects in tamoxifen breast cancer cells. The authors examined the effects of EGCG treatment on three plasma membrane proteins involved in drug resistance.
EGCG treatment was found to inhibit cancer cell growth and cause dose-dependent cell death. In fact, EGCG was found to downregulate the activity of two of the three molecules studied.
These molecules play a key role in drug metabolism and transport and are highly expressed in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells.
The authors conclude that EGCG should be studied further in combination with drugs used to treat estrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
Please see our article on how to optimize your breast cancer diet for information on what to eat during all stages of treatment and recovery.