Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature, lack of specific therapeutic targets, and drug resistance. Chemotherapy resistance in TNBC is largely driven by the abnormal activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the associated cancer stem cell-like characteristics. The combination of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs has shown promise as a treatment approach for TNBC. This study evaluates the efficacy of a novel combination therapy involving the anti-inflammatory drug Budesonide and Salinomycin, which targets cancer stem cells. Co-administration of Budesonide and Salinomycin demonstrated a synergistic effect in inhibiting TNBC cell growth by activating the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. It induced a 2- to 3-fold increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and a 25%-30% rise in mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Additionally, extensive signaling studies revealed that the co-treatment specifically targeted multiple signaling nodes, limiting downstream crosstalk. The combination also enhanced autophagic activity by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway and reduced cell migration and stemness by suppressing the EMT process. Therefore, the combination of Budesonide and Salinomycin offers a novel therapeutic approach for TNBC.
Keywords: autophagy; combination treatment; epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT); metabolism; triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC).
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