RESUMO
Cancer is a multifaceted disease driven by abnormal cell growth and poses a significant global health threat. The multifactorial causes, differences in individual susceptibility to therapeutic drugs, and induced drug resistance pose major challenges in addressing cancers effectively. One of the most important aspects in making cancers highly heterogeneous in their physiology lies in the genes involved and the changes occurring to some of these genes in malignant conditions. The Genetic factors have been implicated in the oncogenesis, progression, responses to treatment, and metastasis. One such gene that plays a key role in human cancers is the mutated form of the Ataxia-telangiectasia gene (ATM). ATM gene located on chromosome 11q23, plays a vital role in maintaining genomic stability. Understanding the genetic basis of A-T is crucial for diagnosis, management, and treatment. Breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer exhibit varying relationships with the ATM gene and influence their pathways. Targeting the ATM pathway proves promising for enhancing treatment effectiveness, especially in conjunction with DNA damage response pathways. Analyzing the therapeutic consequences of ATM mutations, especially in these cancer types facilitates the approaches for early detection, intervention, development of personalized treatment approaches, and improved patient outcomes. This review emphasizes the role of the ATM gene in various cancers, highlighting its impact on DNA repair pathways and therapeutic responses.