This systematic review looked at advances in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential anticancer agents and vaccines. The research focused on how these substances interact with malignant cells in laboratory settings. The review highlights that AMPs show promise because they can selectively target cancer cells through electrostatic interactions with their negatively charged membranes. This leads to rapid disruption of the cell membrane and cell death. Additionally, these peptides can act inside the cell to stop DNA replication and protein synthesis, cause mitochondrial dysfunction, and suppress tumor growth by blocking new blood vessel formation. They also function as in situ vaccines that help prime the body's systemic antitumor immunity.
Despite these promising mechanisms, significant safety concerns exist. The review notes that hemolytic toxicity is a known adverse event, meaning these peptides can damage red blood cells. Other limitations include proteolytic instability and suboptimal pharmacokinetics, which affect how the drugs behave in the body. Because most studies are confined to early-phase trials, the clinical evidence remains limited. Readers should understand that while the science is interesting, these treatments are not yet ready for widespread use in standard cancer care.
The main takeaway is that AMPs show biological activity against cancer, but more research is needed to ensure they are safe and effective for patients. Until larger clinical trials are completed, these findings should be viewed as preliminary rather than proof of a new standard treatment.