The effects of chlorotoxin and its derivatives on glioma cells: a systematic review of in vitro studies

Abstract

Chlorotoxin (CTX), a peptide derived from scorpion venom, is used to detect chloride channels. CTX targets cancer cells like glioblastoma (GBM) via GBM-specific chloride channels. CTX-based uses in GBM focused on diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic techniques. After discovering CTX, researchers began screening different scorpion venoms for peptides with CTX-like characteristics. CTX and its derivatives have been studied for their effects on GBM for over 20 years; however, there is no systematic assessment of these studies in the literature. This is the first systematic review examining the association between CTX and GBM. Through a comprehensive systematic review and analysis of existing literature, we ultimately evaluated and cross-related 22 papers published over 22 years (1999–2023). This systematic review strives to advance our understanding of the role of CTX in GBM treatment. These outcomes could shape future research directions in neuro-oncology.

Keywords:

• Chlorotoxin
• glioblastoma
• cancer
• treatment
• chloride channel
• metalloprotease

Authors’ contributions

SM, MS, MB, and EM: Conceived the study. SM, MAK, GP, and EM: Wrote the manuscript. SM and EM: Searched databases, screened studies, and revised the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the submitted version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.