To provide a comprehensive overview of parasite-derived molecules (PDMs) as potential anticancer agents, focusing on their mechanisms of action and recent translational research advances.
Approach:
Overview of PDMs: Summarizes major classes of parasite-derived molecules and their diverse biological activities related to cancer therapy.
Mechanisms of Action: Describes immune-mediated and non-immune mechanisms through which PDMs activate immune cells, modulate cytokine production, and directly influence tumor cell biology.
Preclinical Studies: Reviews recent preclinical findings demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of PDMs across various tumor models, including melanoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Translational Research: Highlights advances in combination therapies, immunogenicity, safety, delivery systems, and regulatory considerations for PDMs.
Key Findings:
PDMs exhibit diverse biological activities that can enhance antitumor immunity and inhibit tumor progression through immune-mediated and non-immune mechanisms.
They activate immune cells such as dendritic cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, modulate cytokine production, and directly influence tumor cell biology by inducing apoptosis and autophagy.
Preclinical studies show promising antitumor effects in multiple cancer types, including melanoma, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Interpretation:
PDMs represent a novel resource for cancer therapy, with mechanisms that extend beyond traditional treatments.
Limitations:
Challenges in clinical translation include immunogenicity, biosafety, production scalability, and regulatory issues that must be addressed.
Most evidence remains at the preclinical stage, necessitating further validation in clinical settings to confirm efficacy and safety.
Conclusion:
Despite the potential of PDMs in cancer treatment, substantial challenges, including immunogenicity and regulatory hurdles, must be addressed for successful clinical application.
