WT1 gene: a potential therapeutic target for multiple cancer treatment strategies

The Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) gene has attracted significant attention in oncological research owing to its involvement in the pathogenesis of a variety of malignancies. Initially identified in association with Wilms' tumor, a pediatric renal carcinoma, WT1 is now recognized for its broader implications in the etiology of multiple cancers, including leukemia, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the historical development of WT1 research, explores its mechanisms in cancer progression, and assesses its potential as a therapeutic target, with an emphasis on its clinical implications for cancer treatment strategies.