Marine Anticancer Agents: An Overview with a Particular Focus on Their Chemical Classes

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Natural product chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The marine environment is a prolific source of novel bioactive molecules.
• Marine organisms have evolved unique biochemical pathways, producing diverse and complex chemical compounds.
• Over 36,000 compounds have been isolated from marine life, with new discoveries ongoing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review bioactive molecules from marine sources with anticancer activity.
• To discuss the families, origins, structural characteristics, and therapeutic applications of these marine natural products (MNPs).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific databases.
• Analysis of published studies on marine natural products with anticancer properties.
• Compilation of data on compound isolation, structural elucidation, and clinical use.

Main Results:

• Marine natural products (MNPs) represent a significant resource for anticancer drug discovery.
• Numerous MNPs have demonstrated potent cytotoxic and antitumor activities.
• Several marine-derived drugs are approved for clinical use in cancer therapy, including cytarabine, trabectedin, and eribulin mesylate.

Conclusions:

• Marine natural products (MNPs) offer a promising avenue for developing novel anticancer therapeutics.
• Continued exploration of marine biodiversity is crucial for identifying new anticancer agents.
• Understanding the structural features and mechanisms of action of MNPs will facilitate drug development.