Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by distinctive biological features that confer an aggressive clinical behavior. In TNBC patients, the absence of well-defined driver pathways such as hormonal receptor expression or hyperactivation of the
human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) significantly reduce the spectrum of therapeutic options, which are currently mainly confined to
chemotherapy. Thus far, median overall survival for patients with metastatic TNBC is about 9-12 months with conventional
cytotoxic agents. However, the heterogeneity recently revealed at a gene expression level inside the TNBC family may help inform therapeutic decisions concerning the use of
chemotherapy and hopefully lead the way to novel targeted options that include
immunotherapy.
Eribulin, a halichondrin class
antineoplastic drug, is currently recommended for treatment of HER2 negative metastatic or recurrent
breast cancer (BC) previously exposed to
anthracyclines and
taxanes, also for patients with a TNBC. It is currently indicated from the second line of treatment. In this review, we aim to analyze a wide range of cumulated evidence on
eribulin use in TNBC including preclinical studies, intervention and observational clinical trials. Data from the real-world setting and the emerging evidence increasingly substantiating the rationale for combinations with new generation treatment strategies, e.g.,
PARP-inhibitors,
immune checkpoint inhibitors, will be also discussed.