Antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies

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  Antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies Abstract Despite advances in cancer therapeutics, there are still challenges in improving drug toxicity and selectivity. Peptides from various venous species have recently garnered attention for their biopharmaceutical potential, particularly in cancer. The present study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides (SVDPs) previously reported in preclinical models. The bibliographic research included original and review articles written in English published from 2015 to 2026. Studies within the scope were retrieved from the EBSCO Discovery Service, PubMed, and WIPO databases. A total of 27 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this research, and the collected data were synthesized through a meta-analysis. In the included in vitro and in vivo studies, the effect of SVDPs on breast/mammary gland, cervical,...

Systematic Review of the Antitumor Activities and Mechanisms of Scorpion Venom on Human Breast Cancer Cells Lines (In Vitro Study)

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Systematic Review of the Antitumor Activities and Mechanisms of Scorpion Venom on Human Breast Cancer Cells Lines (In Vitro Study)

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Innovative therapies are essential to address its diverse subtypes and treatment resistance. Scorpion venom and its bioactive proteins have gained attention as potential anticancer agents owing to their multitargeted cellular effects. This review systematically evaluates their anticancer properties and mechanisms in breast cancer, highlighting therapeutic potential. 

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Science Direct, EMBASE, OVID, and KISS) up to September 2024. Only in vitro studies using breast cancer cell lines and investigating scorpion venom or its bioactive proteins were included. Extracted data covered study characteristics, intervention types, control groups, dose range, duration, and key outcomes. 

Results: In total, 19 studies met the eligibility criteria. Crude scorpion venom showed broad cytotoxicity against hormone receptor-positive, triple-negative, and HER2-positive breast cancer subtypes. The primary mechanisms included apoptosis induction, DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress modulation, and cell cycle regulation. Bioactive proteins, such as chlorotoxin (CTX) and Neopladine 1/2, exhibited selective anticancer effects by targeting signaling pathways, inhibiting migration and invasion, and promoting apoptosis. 

Conclusion: These findings support scorpion venom’s potential as a multitargeted anticancer agent. The complementary actions of crude venom and its proteins highlight their promise for combination therapies. Further research is needed to clarify their synergistic interactions and optimize preclinical and clinical applications.


Kwon, N., Sung, H., & Park, J. (2025). Systematic Review of the Antitumor Activities and Mechanisms of Scorpion Venom on Human Breast Cancer Cells Lines (In Vitro Study). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(9), 3181. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14093181