Abstract

The cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has a crucial role in detecting tumour-derived DNA, whether the pathway is generated spontaneously or induced therapeutically. Activation of the cGAS–STING pathway triggers type I interferon signalling and pro-inflammatory responses in both tumour and immune cells, establishing a delicate balance between pathological inflammation and protective immune responses. Although preclinical studies have highlighted the promise of targeting the cGAS–STING pathway to enhance antitumour immunotherapy, clinical results have fallen short of expectations. In this Review, we outline key advances in understanding the tumour-promoting and tumour-suppressive effects mediated by the cGAS–STING pathway and discuss opportunities and challenges for its integration into future cancer immunotherapy.

Title

Opportunities and challenges of targeting cGAS–STING in cancer

Authors

Changzheng Lu, Wenyan Wang & Yang-Xin Fu

Journal Information

Nature Reviews Cancer (2026)

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