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2000
Volume 25, Issue 15
  • ISSN: 1871-5206
  • E-ISSN: 1875-5992

Abstract

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Traditional treatments include endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy. Recent studies suggest melittin, a component of bee venom, as a promising breast cancer treatment due to its anticancer properties: inducing cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and gene regulation.

Methods

This manuscript aims to review melittin's potential therapeutical and future implications in treating breast cancer. An extensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE and Cochrane databases up to July 2024 using Boolean operators with a combination of keywords. After screening, data extraction, and descriptive analysis, 40 articles were retained.

Results

Experimental data and different therapeutical strategies were collected. Melittin disrupts tumor cell membranes and modulates key apoptotic pathways. Advanced delivery systems enhance their effectiveness and reduce toxicity. Combining melittin with chemotherapy shows synergistic effects, improving outcomes. Thus, melittin could be a valuable addition to breast cancer therapies.

Conclusion

Further clinical trials are essential to validate its potential and establish its role in breast cancer therapy.

© 2025 Bentham Science Publishers
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2025-02-25
2025-10-07

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/content/journals/acamc/10.2174/0118715206347581250217045306
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Melittin, A Potential Game-changer in the Fight Against Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Cancer Agents) 25, 1077 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715206347581250217045306
/content/journals/acamc/10.2174/0118715206347581250217045306
/content/journals/acamc/10.2174/0118715206347581250217045306
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  • Article Type:     Review Article
Keyword(s): anticancer properties; breast cancer; honeybee venom; Melittin; therapy; treatment

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