CRISPR-Cas9 in Breast Cancer: A Tool for Functional Genomics, Target Discovery, and Precision Therapeutics

CRISPR-Cas9 technology has rapidly emerged as a transformative tool in breast cancer research, enabling precise genome editing that advances functional genomics, target discovery, and therapeutic development. This review highlights the fundamental principles of CRISPR-Cas9 and its diverse applications in breast cancer models, including gene function interrogation and high-throughput screening for oncogenic drivers. We discuss the role of CRISPR-based approaches in advancing precision medicine, such as genome editing for personalized therapies and immune cell engineering. Despite its promising potential, challenges including off-target effects, delivery efficiency, and ethical considerations remain significant barriers to clinical translation. We also explore emerging strategies to overcome these limitations and future directions aimed at optimizing CRISPR technology for improved breast cancer treatment. Integrating CRISPR-Cas9 with multidisciplinary research holds the key to unlocking novel therapeutic avenues and enhancing patient outcomes in the era of precision oncology.