The Current Role and Future Potential of CRISPR-Cas9 in Breast Cancer Research

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers affecting women globally. It is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of epithelial cells originating in the ducts of breast tissue. It is one of the leading causes of death in women. Despite advances and continued development in conventional treatment options, like chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, drug resistance and recurrence remain longstanding obstacles. Therefore, CRISPR-Cas9 emerges as a promising treatment due to its high precision and effectiveness. This study reviews the mechanism by which CRISPR- Cas9 functions to correct and remove parts of the human genome. It also examines how CRISPR-Cas9 combats drug resistance: the major challenge in breast cancer treatment. The review highlights challenges in the applications of CRISPR-Cas9, focusing on off-target effects and ethical concerns. The review also addresses the future research areas for the further development of CRISPR-Cas9 including combating problems with off-target effects, delivery systems, and pre-existing immunity. Ultimately, while CRISPR-Cas9 has great potential in breast cancer treatment, there are still future steps needed to be taken to ensure a better prognosis for patients.