Deadly cures: Unlocking anticancer potential of reptile, amphibian, and arthropod venoms through molecular innovation and nanotechnology

Venoms from reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods represent a rich source of bioactive molecules with promising anticancer potential. Recent studies have highlighted the selective cytotoxicity of venom components including snake phospholipase A2 enzymes, scorpion peptides (chlorotoxin), and frog derived antimicrobial peptides against cancer cells. These molecules exert multifaceted effects, such as inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and modulating the tumor microenvironment, thereby impairing tumor growth and progression. Advances in nanotechnology based delivery systems and peptide engineering have significantly improved the stability, bioavailability, and specificity of venom derived agents, enhancing their safety and therapeutic efficacy. Preclinical investigations demonstrate potent anticancer activity across multiple tumor models, and early clinical studies suggest translational potential. Current research continues to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying venom-mediated cytotoxicity, while formulation strategies and regulatory considerations are being optimized to facilitate clinical development. Future directions include the design of synthetic venom analogs, AI assisted drug discovery, and personalized medicine approaches, which collectively aim to harness the full therapeutic potential of venom peptides. By integrating natural bioactivity with modern biomedical technologies, venom derived compounds are emerging as a novel and promising avenue in the development of next-generation oncological therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of venom diversity, anticancer mechanisms, recent advances in formulation and delivery, and the challenges and opportunities for translating venom-based agents into clinical practice. • Novel bioactive compounds from reptile, amphibian, and arthropod venoms show promising anticancer activities by targeting multiple cellular pathways critical for tumor survival and growth. • The review emphasizes molecular innovations in venom peptide design and characterization, contributing to enhanced specificity and potency against cancer cells. • Nanotechnology-based delivery systems enable precise targeting and improved bioavailability of venom-derived therapeutics, minimizing off-target effects and toxicity. • Integration of venom compounds with advanced nanocarriers illustrates significant potential for overcoming drug resistance and enhancing therapeutic efficacy in preclinical cancer models. • Challenges and future directions are discussed, including strategies for clinical translation, safety considerations, and the need for interdisciplinary research linking toxicology, molecular biology, and materials science.