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Marine-derived anticancer agents in clinical trials
Gilberto Schwartsmann1, Adriana Brondani Da Rocha, Jane Mattei
1Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. gschwart.ez@terra.com.br
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|July 29, 2003
Summary
Marine natural products are increasingly explored for novel anticancer agents, complementing synthetic drugs. Research highlights marine compounds in clinical trials for various cancers, showing nature's potential in oncology drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Marine pharmacology
- Natural product chemistry
- Cancer therapeutics
Background:
- Anticancer agents originate from natural sources or chemical synthesis.
- Nature-derived drugs like anthracyclines and vinca alkaloids treat lymphomas and leukaemias.
- Synthetic agents like 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, rituximab, and imatinib are crucial for solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review marine-derived anticancer agents that have progressed to clinical trials.
- To highlight the growing importance of marine biodiversity in cancer drug discovery.
- To discuss promising marine compounds in preclinical and clinical development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of marine-derived anticancer agents in clinical trials.
- Focus on compounds from marine sources, including sponges and other organisms.
- Analysis of preclinical and early clinical development data for marine anticancer candidates.
Main Results:
- Several marine-derived compounds like didemnin B, aplidine, dolastatin-10, bryostatin-1, and ecteinascidin-743 (trabectedin) have reached clinical trials.
- Marine natural products, initially modest contributors, are now a significant focus for anticancer drug development.
- Advancements in deep-sea technology and recognition of marine biodiversity fuel this interest.
Conclusions:
- Marine organisms represent a valuable and expanding resource for novel anticancer drug discovery.
- Continued exploration of marine biodiversity is essential for identifying new therapeutic leads.
- Marine-derived agents show significant promise in combating various forms of cancer.