Advancements in ecotoxicological assessment of anticancer agents: Bridging sustainability and innovation in chemical testing

• Anticancer agents are highly potent contaminant of ecosystem • Animals free ecotoxicity testing are greener alternative than traditional ones • Multifaceted approach can lead to development of green ecotoxicity tests for such agents • Adequate regulatory guidance can ensure sustainable global compliance Ecotoxicological testing is the latest buzzword in the field of environmental testing and monitoring the effect of pharmaceuticals on the ecosystem. Testing alternative and innovative study models enriches the ecotoxicological perspective by introducing greenness and sustainability into the ecosystem. Pharmaceuticals, being a major source of ecosystem contamination, necessitate the practice of such approaches. The current review systematically discusses the advancements and paradigm shift from traditional to greener ecotoxicity testing of important classes of pharmaceuticals, such as anticancer agents. Additionally, it discusses the approaches for developing sustainable pharmaceuticals from anticancer agents. The common approaches and future possibilities further demonstrate the importance of this holistic approach, which can efficiently bridge the gap between ecosystem sustainability and toxicity testing related to them.