Mini reviewMedical application of scorpion venom to breast cancer: A mini-review

- Scorpion venom peptides have anti-carcinogenic properties on breast cancer cells.
- Peptides affect cell cycle, induce apoptosis, and arrest breast cancer cell growth.
- Scorpion venom increases NO and Caspase-3 activity, while MCF-7 is inhibited.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in women worldwide. Today, 1 in 8 women born in the United States will have an invasive cancer in their lifetime. Despite significant attempts, the prognosis of metastatic breast cancer still remains poor. This has compelled scientists to look elsewhere for better therapeutic outcomes. Recent advances in venomic studies have demonstrated some promise in cancer-related ailments. Scorpion venom, a complex cocktail of biogenic amines, proteins, peptides, mucoproteins, organic salts and neurotoxins has shown a potential therapeutic application due to its cytotoxic, apoptogenic, immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties. This communication reviews the effects of scorpion venom components on breast cancer and their mechanisms.