Key Findings:
Flaxseed inhibits the growth and spontaneous metastasis of estrogen receptor negative (ERK) human breast cancer in nude mice and experimental metastasis of murine melanoma cells in mice. Flaxseed also inhibits the growth of ERC human breast cancer (MCF-7) in nude mice in the presence of low or high estrogen levels. A 10% FS in the dry animal diet used in this study inhibited metastasis after the primary tumor was surgically excised, and this effect was mediated by its SDG and FO components, particularly SDG. A greater inhibition of metastasis could be induced if treatments are given when the surgically excised tumors are small.
ABSTRACT:
This study determined the effect of 10% flaxseed (FS) and its components, secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) and flaxseed oil (FO) alone or in combination (SDGCFO), on the metastasis and recurrence of human breast tumor after excision in nude mice. Mice were injected orthotopically with human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-435) and fed basal diet (BD). When the tumors reached an average size of 110 mm2 (0.9 g), surgical excisions were performed, and the mice were assigned to one of five diet groups for 7 weeks. The total incidence of metastasis was significantly lower in the FS, SDG, and SDGCFO groups. Reduced lung and lymph node metastases were observed in the FS and SDGCFO groups. In the FS and FO groups, a greater reduction in lung and total metastases was found when excised tumors were % 0.9 versus O0.9 g. There was no significant difference in tumor recurrence among groups. In conclusion, FS and its components inhibited tumor metastasis but not tumor recurrence after surgical excision of the primary tumor.
Link to Full Text