Introduction
The ocean, which covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, is home to a diverse range of life, but it remains one of the least researched areas for drug development. Marine ecosystems provide a unique source of bioactive molecules that have the potential to transform cancer treatment. With the worldwide increase in cancer diagnoses, the hunt for novel, effective treatments is more important than ever. The chemical variety present in marine species is proving to be a promising area for the creation of new anticancer medicines.
Unique Potential of Marine Organisms
To endure in competitive conditions, marine animals such as sponges, corals, mollusks, and marine microbes have evolved intricate chemical defense mechanisms. These defense strategies frequently include the synthesis of bioactive chemicals that can be repurposed for medicinal treatments, particularly in oncology. The harsh and diverse characteristics of the marine environment promote the formation of molecules that differ structurally from those found on land. Trabectedin (Yondelis), produced from the sea squirt Ecteinascidia turbinata, is used to treat soft tissue sarcoma and ovarian cancer.

Emerging research areas
Marine bacteria and fungus have become popular research subjects due to their potential to create secondary metabolites with high bioactivity. For example, salinosporamide A, a chemical derived from the marine bacteria Salinispora tropica, is currently being investigated in clinical trials to treat multiple myeloma. Marine algae, specifically brown algae, contain chemicals called fucoidans, which have been demonstrated to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and limit tumor growth. Some marine animals contain potent poisons that, when properly engineered, could be used to target cancer cells.
Challenges of Marine Drug Discovery
Despite its potential, using marine resources for drug discovery presents major obstacles. One of the primary considerations is sustainable sourcing. Many marine creatures live in fragile habitats, and overharvesting could damage them. Furthermore, the structural complexity of marine compounds hinders large-scale synthesis and alteration.

Future Directions
Marine biotechnology
Advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology could enable large-scale manufacturing of marine-derived chemicals. Researchers could develop useful molecules in the lab by reading the genomes of marine species, thereby reducing environmental effect.

High-throughput screening
Because only a small percentage of marine species have been examined for their therapeutic potential, high-throughput screening approaches could hasten the discovery of new anticancer chemicals. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into this method could aid in predicting the usefulness of marine substances before comprehensive testing.

Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology could significantly improve the delivery of marine-derived medications. Encapsulating these drugs in nanoparticles allows researchers to ensure that they reach cancer cells more efficiently, decreasing side effects and boosting treatment outcomes.

Conclusion
The ocean’s unexplored resources offer a promising opportunity for anticancer medication research. Marine-derived compounds have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by focusing on sustainable harvesting, biotechnology advancement, and improved drug delivery systems. The future of oncology may lie beneath the ocean’s surface, bringing hope for more effective and targeted cancer treatments.

SANTHOSH KUMAR C

University/College name : Faculty of Pharmacy Karpagam academy of higher education