Cancer is still one of the biggest health threats in the world. While traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation exist, they often come with serious side effects and sometimes stop working due to drug resistance. But now, scientists are looking to an unexpected place for help: the ocean.
This review dives deep into how marine organisms—from sea sponges and algae to coral and mollusks—are becoming a goldmine for cancer-fighting compounds. These natural substances, called marine-derived secondary metabolites, have powerful effects on cancer cells. Some can kill cancer cells directly, some block their growth, and others boost the body’s own defenses.
Key highlights include:
- Marine sponges gave us the early building blocks of cancer drugs like cytarabine and eribulin.
- Sea bacteria and fungi produce unique molecules that target cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
- Algae and cyanobacteria (like Spirulina) are rich in compounds that trigger cancer cell death while protecting normal tissues.
- Corals and mollusks, such as sea hares, make molecules that can stop tumor growth and are being tested in clinical trials.
- These compounds often work by blocking cancer’s lifelines, like blood supply (angiogenesis), growth signals, and even the cancer stem cells that cause relapse.
Unlike synthetic drugs, marine metabolites often come with less toxicity and greater precision, making them promising tools for future therapies. Plus, scientists are using advanced tools like genomics, proteomics, and sustainable marine sourcing to make sure this research benefits both people and the planet.
In short: The ocean isn’t just beautiful—it might hold the cure to some of the world’s deadliest cancers.
Full text: Samah S. Abuzahrah, Serag Eldin I. Elbehairi, Tahani Bakhsh, Ahmed Atwa, Nouf Juaid, Reham Hassan Mekky, Marine-derived secondary metabolites in oncology: A comprehensive review, Current Research in Biotechnology, 100300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbiot.2025.100300.