APPLICATION OF THE CRISPR-CAS9 SYSTEM IN BIRC5 GENE MODULATION IN TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER: A REVIEW

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of hormone receptor and HER2 expression, constituting a subtype with high biological aggressiveness and limited therapeutic options. In this context, the BIRC5 gene stands out for encoding the survivin protein, whose overexpression is directly associated with apoptosis inhibition, tumor progression, and resistance to conventional treatments. From this perspective, the present study aimed to analyze the potential of the CRISPR-Cas9 system as a therapeutic tool in TNBC, with emphasis on BIRC5 modulation. This is a descriptive and analytical literature review based on scientific articles published between 2014 and 2025, retrieved from the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The literature analysis demonstrates that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing has a significant impact on reducing tumor cell viability, in addition to enhancing the sensitivity of neoplastic cells to conventional therapies. However, the clinical applicability of this approach is still limited by relevant technical challenges, particularly those related to off-target effects and the efficiency of delivery systems. Therefore, although CRISPR-Cas9 has emerged as a promising strategy in the context of precision oncology, its incorporation into clinical practice depends on improvements in safety, specificity, and therapeutic feasibility, as well as on integration with complementary approaches.