ERK-driven autophagy enhances synergy of eribulin and cisplatin in triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer with limited therapeutic options, especially in resource-limited settings. The present study investigated the mechanistic synergy of eribulin and cisplatin in TNBC, with a focus on ERK-driven autophagy. MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells were treated with eribulin and cisplatin. Viability, apoptosis, autophagy and ERK activation were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, flow cytometry, western blotting and fluorescence microscopy. The drug combination enhanced ERK activation and induced autophagy, significantly increasing cell death. ERK inhibition reversed these effects, confirming its role in mediating synergy. The present findings provide a mechanistic rationale for an affordable combination therapy that may enhance TNBC treatment efficacy, particularly in resource-limited settings.