2ⁿᵈ Edition of the Cancer R&D World Conference 2026

Abstract

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, necessitating the development of more effective and less toxic treatment strategies. This study evaluates the anticancer potential of Trefizia bouediri and Trefizia clavelri and explores the enhancement of their efficacy through cyclodextrin-based nano-formulations. Additionally, it investigates the ability of white and red truffles to mitigate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. The anticancer activity of white and red truffle extracts was first assessed on MCF-7 and Adriamycin-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines using the MTT assay.

Nano-formulated cyclodextrin-truffle complexes were then developed, and their cytotoxic effects were compared to unformulated truffles using MTT and flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle progression. Further in vivo studies in a breast cancer mouse model evaluated their antioxidant effects and histopathological tumour characteristics. The cardioprotective potential of truffle co-administration with doxorubicin was assessed through blood biomarkers indicative of cardiac toxicity.

Results demonstrated that both white and red truffles exhibit significant anticancer activity, which was markedly enhanced when delivered via nano-formulation. Nano-truffle complexes showed superior inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation and increased apoptosis compared to unformulated extracts. 

Furthermore, co-administration of truffle with doxorubicin led to a notable reduction in cardiotoxic biomarkers, suggesting a protective effect on cardiac tissues.

Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced tumour progression and oxidative damage in nano-truffle-treated groups.

These findings highlight the potential of white and red truffles as synergistic agents in breast cancer treatment, with nano-formulation significantly improving their efficacy.

The integration of natural products with nano-delivery systems offers a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance anticancer outcomes while minimizing chemotherapy-induced side effects, ultimately improving patient survival and quality of life.