Melittin in Aggressive Breast Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Delivery Systems, and Clinical Potential

Vollständiger Abstract

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Introduction: Aggressive breast cancer subtypes, including Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) and HER2-positive tumours, remain clinically challenging due to poor prognosis, high therapeutic resistance, and limited targeted treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for novel and more effective therapeutic strategies. Methods: This study presents a narrative review of preclinical and mechanistic studies evaluating the anticancer potential of melittin, a bioactive peptide derived from bee venom, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms and advancements in targeted delivery systems. Results: Preclinical studies have demonstrated that melittin has potent anticancer activity through membrane disruption, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of EGFR/HER2 signalling pathways. Reported IC₅₀ values range from approximately 0.8-2.0 μM in aggressive breast cancer cell lines, whereas targeted delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, reduce haemolysis from ~40-60% to