Marine-Derived Fucoidan in Cancer Therapy: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Prospects, and Future Directions

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment faces persistent challenges of efficacy and toxicity with conventional therapies. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown algae, demonstrates significant anticancer potential through multiple mechanisms, positioning it as a promising therapeutic candidate for improving cancer care outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This review examines fucoidan's antitumor activities and evaluates its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment. METHODS: Literature analysis encompassed peer-reviewed research on fucoidan's anticancer properties, bioavailability challenges, and delivery innovations. The search explored structure-activity relationships, preclinical evidence across cancer types, and early clinical trial results when combined with standard treatments. RESULTS: Fucoidan exhibits multiple anticancer mechanisms including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis inhibition, and immunomodulation. Preclinical studies demonstrate efficacy across various cancer types, with early clinical trials showing promise when combined with standard treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Fucoidan represents a promising marine-derived compound for precision oncology. Despite challenges in bioavailability and standardization, innovative approaches like nanoencapsulation show potential to overcome these limitations. Future research priorities include comprehensive structure-activity relationship studies, optimized delivery systems, and rigorous clinical trials to translate fucoidan's therapeutic benefits from bench to bedside.