Lectin: A Molecular Tool in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy with Special Reference to Reproductive Cancers

The prevalence of cancer deaths globally and domestically is higher especially due to the deferment of diagnosis and lack of facilities for women's reproductive cancers. The present review focussed to explore the application of lectins in cancer theranostics. Though there is cancer diagnostic and treatment available there is no promising early diagnostic tool and effective treatment available for the cancer which is the major concern. Lectins are cellulose-binding proteins that are strongly determined in saccharide groups of glycans, glycopeptides, or glycolipids. In the concomitance of events in cells, carbohydrates, and proteins, lectins play an important role. Lectins bind superiorly to the cancer cell membrane and their receptors induce the cytotoxic effect, which results in caspase-mediated cell death, and prohibits tumour development. Lectin snuffing also reveals polyamine stocks and impedes the growth of cancerous cells. They affect the cell cycle by non-apoptotic aggregation, seizure of the cell cycle phase G2, M, and the mediation of caspases. It can also adversely affect the action of telomerase and hinder vascularisation. They promote immunomodulation and adversely limit protein synthesis. Their easy availability and its characteristics support its use in cancer diagnosis and therapy, despite their small corollary effects. Future investigations recommend focussing more on the key applications of lectin by reducing its concurrent effects and carrying out more in-vitro investigations. However, the use of lectin formulations for cancer theranostics is a new area in cancer detection and treatment. In this review, plant lectin appears to be a potential target for cancer research in the fields of diagnosis and theranostics.