Enhanced inhibition of triple-negative breast cancer metastases with high-dose Rujifang treatment assessed by optical flow cytometry <i>in vivo</i>

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis is particularly severe due to its aggressive nature, leading to rapid disease progression and significantly reduced survival rates. Rujifang (RJF), a traditional Chinese formula, has demonstrated potential anti-tumor effects and the ability to inhibit TNBC metastasis. However, the effects of varying RJF doses remain unclear. This study utilized laser-based in vivo flow cytometry (IVFC) to monitor circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and evaluate the efficacy of RJF at different doses. The results indicated that RJF at the high dose inhibited both the number of CTCs and the formation of metastatic foci more effectively compared to the lower dose. TUNEL assays revealed that RJF treatment promotes apoptosis of tumor cells, with a more pronounced effect observed at the higher dose. Immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that administering a higher dose of RJF suppresses the expression of Kindlin-1 more effectively in the tumor microenvironment. Although higher doses showed enhanced efficacy, they might also lead to an increase in side effects. These findings underscore the promise and challenges of using RJF at high doses for anti-tumor therapy. They highlight the critical importance of optimizing the dose of RJF in the treatment of TNBC and provide valuable insights for its clinical application.