Arthropod venom peptides: Nanotechnology-enabled delivery and therapeutic potential in cancer treatment

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, claiming >10 million lives in 2020 and a projected increase to 13 million by 2030. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can be effective but often lead to systemic toxicity and drug resistance due to their lack of selectivity. Nanotechnology is a promising alternative that targets cancer cells and reduces harm to healthy tissues. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current advances in nanotechnology-based delivery systems for arthropod venom–derived peptides, highlighting their therapeutic potential, mechanistic advantages, and translational challenges in cancer treatment. Nanoparticles (NPs) ranging from 1 to 100 nm improve drug delivery and treatment outcomes by enhancing bioavailability, controlling drug release, and exploiting tumor-specific features. However, challenges including poor in vivo biocompatibility, complex large-scale manufacturing, and stringent regulatory requirements have hindered their widespread clinical translation. Arthropod venom contains bioactive compounds that primarily target ion channels, which play a role in cancer progression. Venom-derived peptides are emerging as promising anticancer agents, and nanotechnology offers an effective strategy for their delivery. NPs have enhanced therapeutic potential by improving controlled release, stability, and cellular uptake while minimizing toxicity. Liposomal- and lipid-based NPs and organic carriers such as chitosan show particular promise for targeted drug delivery. Combining nanotechnology with venom-derived peptides, particularly those from arthropods such as scorpions, may enhance the selectivity and efficacy of cancer treatments. These peptides selectively target cancer cells, minimize toxicity, and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review highlights the potential of venom-derived peptides combined with NPs in cancer therapy, along with their benefits, challenges, and future research directions toward innovative therapeutic strategies. Future studies should focus on optimizing venom peptide formulations with NPs to enhance efficacy, reduce systemic toxicity, and develop safer and more effective cancer treatments.