DNA is highly immunogenic, both exogenous and endogenous DNA can activate the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) and danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), respectively, and hence activate the evolutionarily conserved cGAS-STING pathway for inflammatory responses. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway plays a very important role in the pathogenesis and progression of neoplastic diseases. For cancer therapy, there are some discrepancies on whether cGAS-STING should be inhibited or activated. Deregulated cGAS-STING signaling pathway might be the origin and pathogenesis of tumor, understanding and modulating cGAS-STING signaling holds great promise for cancer therapy. In this review article, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying cGAS–STING deregulation, highlighting the tumor inhibiting and promoting roles and challenges with cGAS–STING agonists in the context of cancer therapies.

Rui Wang is a consultant oncologist, and a physician-scientist in Suqian Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and Cancer Science Institute of Singapore. She has more than 11 years of clinic working experience with tumor patients. She holds an M.D and has research interest in cancer chromosome instability and immunology. Her research has been focused on tumor genome instability and how innate immune signaling and metabolic pathways orchestrate with overall aim of identifying innovative therapeutic targets.  Rui Wang has gained international research experience working at esteemed institutions in Yale University School of Medicine and Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, has a distinguished publication record as the first/corresponding author on highly impacted journals like Cell Reports, Critical Reviews in Oncology/ Hematology, Steroids, International Journal of Oncology, Cancer Studies and Therapeutics, featuring research articles, reviews, and conference contributions.