Uncovering Novel Anti-Lung Cancer Compounds: Insights from Marine Sponge-Derived Agents: A Bibliometric Review

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, necessitating improved treatment strategies. This study collectively highlights the valuable potential of marine sponges as a source for discovering new anti-tumor agents.Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis to identify anticancer compounds from marine sponges using PubMed (2018–2023). The search included keywords such as “marine sponge," “cancer," “neoplasm," “proliferation," “cytotoxicity," “tumor," “sesquiterpene," “alkaloid," and “quinones." Inclusion criteria focused on studies related to lung cancer and marine sponge-derived compounds, excluding non-cytotoxic activities and unrelated species. Data were extracted in comma-separated values (CSV) format and analyzed via VOSviewer. Molecular docking identified compounds with strong binding to apoptotic receptors in lung cancer cells. PROTOX and Way2Drug tools predicted the pharmacological properties of selected compounds as potential drugs.Results: The bibliometric analysis identified alkaloids, sesquiterpenes, and quinones as key keywords. Dactyloquinone B-D, dysidavarone D, smenohamien F, and sollasin E demonstrated strong binding to apoptotic receptors in lung cancer cells, suggesting potential as anti-lung cancer drugs. Pharmacological analyses revealed promising effects and potential side effects, highlighting their suitability for further drug development. These findings provide a foundation for novel targeted therapies for lung cancer.Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of alkaloids and sesquiterpenes derived from marine sponges as promising anti-lung cancer agents, emphasizing the need for further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations to validate their therapeutic efficacy.