A group of researchers from Spain and Australia has investigated the venom of the Southern Sand Octopus and identified a compound that can significantly slow the growth of cancer cells.
This compound could help combat drug resistance in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma, one of the most severe forms of skin cancer.
Previously, scientists discovered that various animals such as snakes, bees, and spiders contain venoms with anti-cancer properties; however, the anti-cancer characteristics of any octopus species had never been explored.
Skin cancer patients may have hope for treatment from octopus-derived drugs.
BRAF is a gene involved in regulating cell growth. A mutation in this gene can cause it to function improperly, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. These BRAF mutations are seen in half of melanoma cases, which is considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer. They are also associated with other cancers, including colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and some brain cancers.
Currently, the standard care for malignant tumors mainly involves a combination of BRAF or MEK inhibitors. Medicine has also achieved excellent results with immunotherapy and combination immunotherapy. However, these treatments have drawbacks such as low response rates, toxicity, and side effects, as well as drug resistance.
The aforementioned research team tested the anti-tumor properties of a group of venom-derived compounds synthesized from various marine animal species. They stated that octopus peptides inhibit the growth of BRAF-mutated malignant tumors, being safe even at high doses and non-toxic.
The Southern Sand Octopus was discovered in 1990 and is the only known octopus species capable of burying itself deep in the sand to evade predators. The team demonstrated that the octopus peptide specifically targets BRAF-mutated malignant tumors, the most prominent malignant mutation.
However, before this compound can be used on patients, multiple rounds of laboratory testing and clinical trials are necessary. It is viewed as a highly promising candidate drug for the treatment of melanoma in the future.
