Exploiting DNA Replication Stress as a Therapeutic Strategy for Breast Cancer

Proliferating cells rely on DNA replication to ensure accurate genome duplication. Cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, exhibit elevated replication stress (RS) due to the uncontrolled oncogenic activation, loss of key tumor suppressors, and defects in the DNA repair machinery. This intrinsic vulnerability provides a great opportunity for therapeutic exploitation. An increasing number of drug candidates targeting RS in breast cancer are demonstrating promising efficacy in preclinical and early clinical trials. However, unresolved challenges lie in balancing the toxicity of these drugs while maintaining clinical efficacy. Furthermore, biomarkers of RS are urgently required to guide patient selection. In this review, we introduce the concept of targeting RS, detail the current therapies that target RS, and highlight the integration of RS with immunotherapies for breast cancer treatment. Additionally, we discuss the potential biomarkers to optimizing the efficacy of these therapies. Together, the continuous advances in our knowledge of targeting RS would benefit more patients with breast cancer.

Automated summary

Proliferating cells depend on DNA replication for accurate genome duplication. Cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, experience increased replication stress (RS) due to uncontrolled oncogenic activation, loss of key tumor suppressors, and defects in DNA repair machinery. Targeting RS in breast cancer shows promising efficacy in preclinical and early clinical trials, but the challenge lies in balancing drug toxicity and clinical efficacy, as well as the need for biomarkers to guide patient selection.