S-(−)-Oleocanthal as a c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor and its application to synergize targeted therapies and prevent breast cancer recurrence

Abstract Breast cancer (BC) represents the second most cancer killer in the United States after lung cancer. The Mediterranean extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)–rich diet reduces the incidence of breast and colon cancers. S-(−)-Oleocanthal (OC) is a natural phenolic occurring in EVOO. HGF/MET pathway, a validated major OC molecular target, is involved in escaping the therapeutic effects of multiple targeted and chemotherapies and initiating aggressive and recurrent BC. The intake of OC in EVOO over human history and the lack of other safe therapeutic alternatives qualify this bioactive natural product for long-term translational use to synergize with targeted and chemotherapies and prevent c-MET-dependent BC recurrence in patients and survivors. The use of OC as a first-in-class anti-BC c-MET inhibitor has numerous advantages including cost-effectiveness, with its sustained plant supply, and a readily scalable preparation procedure and ease of its use as a nutraceutical without the need for Food and Drug Administration approval.