Venom proteins; Prospects for anticancer therapy

Abstract

Cancer is characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of genetically modified cells. Due to the uncontrolled spread of cells, it may result in death. Cancer is the second main reason for mortality in developed countries, cardiovascular diseases being first. However, in developing countries, cancer stands third after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Millions of new cancer patients are being diagnosed worldwide each year. Several natural products have been the pillars of chemotherapy of cancer for the last 40 years. But the majority of the recently designed anticancer agents cause unfavorable adverse effects due to lack of tumor specificity and multidrug resistance. Therefore, the search for effective, safe, and selective anticancer drugs is vital in the field of cancer research. Venom proteins may act as potent anticancer agent(s) against several types of cancers. Out of a vast variety of venom proteins, proteins from snake venom, bee venom, wasp venom, and scorpion venom have great potential in anticancer therapy.