Advances about the study of phycocyanin in the treatment of breast cancer: A review.

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy in women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often face limitations, including drug resistance and severe adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer and more effective alternatives. Phycocyanin (PC), a natural biliprotein primarily derived from Spirulina platensis, has attracted increasing attention owing to its remarkable biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. This review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of PC on breast cancer, highlights the current progress in in vitro and in vivo research, and discusses existing challenges, such as its stability and bioavailability. Future research should optimize delivery systems, elucidate precise molecular mechanisms, and conduct well-designed clinical trials to fully explore the therapeutic potential of PC in breast cancer treatment.