Cancer is a deadly disordered across the globe. Traditional strategies are painful, less reliable and highly costly. However, investigations have found that algae possessed significant anti-cancer potential. Algae contain highly diverse genera that need to be explored in order to combat cancer disease. Primary and secondary metabolites from different algal strains possessed tremendous nutraceutical potential. Moreover, algae cultivation and extraction of anti-cancer compounds is quiet easier and cost effective. This review emphasize on exploration of new algae strains, anti-cancer compounds and genetic engineering of existing strains using advanced genome editing tools including CRISPR CAS9 to enhances their productions.

Abstract

Cancer is still a primary worldwide health concern because of poor prognosis, adverse therapeutic reactions, and drug resistance. Although developments in several disciplines offer promise, natural chemicals derived from algae offer a promising new direction. Algae provide a potential replacement for conventional chemotherapy due to their diverse chemical composition and possible advantages, including quicker effect and reduced toxicity. Though the use of chemicals generated from algae in drug development is still in its earliest stages, further research into this area could provide lots of information and open the door to new and safer cancer treatments. The potential of various algae in the fight against cancer is examined in this comprehensive review. The review explores the wide range of bioactive chemicals present in different forms of algae. It discusses their way of action, which includes immune response regulation, cell death induction, and angiogenesis inhibition. Particular substances, such as polysaccharides, and the methods used to isolate them are covered, as well as how well they work against different kinds of cancer.