Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2022, there were 2.3 million new cases and roughly 670,000 deaths due to breast cancer. Projections suggest that by 2050, new cases could rise to 3.2 million with over 1 million deaths annually.Interestingly, in a notable scientific development, researchers in Brazil have suggested that scorpion venom might have the potential to help treat breast cancer. According to findings presented at FAPESP Week France, scientists at the University of São Paulo discovered a molecule in the venom that acts in a way similar to a chemotherapy drug used to destroy cancer cells. Early results from the study indicated that a molecule called BamazScplp1, derived from the venom of the Brotheas amazonicus scorpion, showed anti-cancer properties in lab tests. We spoke with Dr. Sumol Ratna, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, to better understand whether this could actually be possible.What Is BamazScplp1?The University of São Paulo team has compared BamazScplp1 to the chemotherapy drug Paclitaxel, noting that preliminary lab tests show similar effectiveness in killing breast cancer cells. BamazScplp1 belongs to the serine protease enzyme family, which helps break down proteins and may interfere with cancer cells’ growth and survival. The researchers observed that the molecule triggers cancer cell death through necrosis, a process usually harmful in the body but potentially useful for destroying tumors during cancer treatment.As harvesting venom directly from scorpions is impractical, the team turned to a biotechnological approach called Heterologous Expression. This involves inserting the gene responsible for the molecule into microorganisms, like yeast, to produce it in larger amounts. Professor Elian Arantes, the lead researcher, noted that they used the yeast Pichia pastoris, a species widely used in biotech for its efficiency. This method enables mass production of BamazScplp1 without causing harm to the animals.The discovery of BamazScplp1 offers fresh hope in the battle against breast cancer, but how realistic is it?Can Scorpion Venom Really Cure Breast Cancer?Scorpion venom has attracted scientific interest for its potential in breast cancer treatment. However, Dr. Sumol Ratna emphasized that scorpion venom is not an approved treatment for breast cancer or any other human tumors. He further told us that though some compounds in the venom have shown anti-cancer activity in early lab studies, certain peptides appear to slow cancer growth, reduce spread, and trigger cell death. But so far, no major health authorities, including the FDA, ICMR, or WHO, have approved scorpion venom or its extracts for cancer therapy.Patients should always consult oncologists before considering experimental treatments. Currently, the most effective and evidence-based options for breast cancer remain surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted immunotherapies.
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