Research and therapeutic applications of silk proteins in cancer

Abstract

Despite the availability of advanced treatments, cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. This is due to the many challenges prevailing in the research field and cancer therapy. Resistance to therapy and side effects provide major hindrances to recovery from cancer. As a result, in addition to the aim of killing cancer cells, the focus should also be on reducing or preventing side effects of the treatment. To enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment, many researchers are studying drug delivery systems based on silk proteins: fibroin and sericin. These proteins have high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of modification. Consequently, many researchers have developed several formulations of silk proteins such as scaffolds, nanoparticles, and hydrogels by combining them with other materials or drugs. This review summarizes the use of silk proteins in various forms in cancer research and therapy. The use of silk proteins to study cancer cells, to deliver cancer drugs to a target site, in cancer thermal therapy, and as an anti-cancer agent is described here.