In combination with docetaxel, additive and marginally synergistic effects were demonstrated in triple-negative HCC-38 and Her2/neu overexpressing SKBR-3 cells, whereas in the estrogen responsive MCF-7 cell line, cytotoxic activity of docetaxel was antagonized by FWGE lyophilisate. Perturbations in cell cycle phase distribution were differentially regulated by FWGE lyophilisate in estrogen receptor negative HCC-38, SKBR-3 and in estrogen receptor expressing MCF-7 cells, which was associated with altered activation of caspase-3/7. Invasive capacity of breast cancer cells was inhibited by FWGE lyophilisate in all three cancer cell lines investigated in a dose-independent manner. Conclusions: FWGE lyophilisate exerts highest anti-cancer activity against triple negative HCC-38 human breast cancer cells. Due to its likely clinical activity against this human malignancy, further investigation of FWGE lyophilisate in triple-negative breast cancer is warranted.

 In combination with docetaxel, additive and marginally synergistic effects were demonstrated in triple-negative HCC-38 and Her2/neu overexpressing SKBR-3 cells, whereas in the estrogen responsive MCF-7 cell line, cytotoxic activity of docetaxel was antagonized by FWGE lyophilisate. Perturbations in cell cycle phase distribution were differentially regulated by FWGE lyophilisate in estrogen receptor negative HCC-38, SKBR-3 and in estrogen receptor expressing MCF-7 cells, which was associated with altered activation of caspase-3/7. Invasive capacity of breast cancer cells was inhibited by FWGE lyophilisate in all three cancer cell lines investigated in a dose-independent manner. Conclusions: FWGE lyophilisate exerts highest anti-cancer activity against triple negative HCC-38 human breast cancer cells. Due to its likely clinical activity against this human malignancy, further investigation of FWGE lyophilisate in triple-negative breast cancer is warranted.