Fucoidan in cancer therapy: from biomedical application to medicinal chemistry approach

Biomaterials based on carbohydrate polymers, particularly modified polysaccharides, are gaining attention for cancer treatment due to their diverse properties and performance in clinical applications. While research on polysaccharides like chitosan and alginate is abundant, studies on chemically functionalized derivatives are limited. These derivatives, such as fucoidan, sulfated polysaccharides from brown seaweeds, offer minimal side effects and suitable drug release profiles. Fucoidan exhibits various biological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, making it a promising candidate for cancer diagnosis and therapy. This review is the first to comprehensively explore the applications of fucoidan in combating cancer, focusing on its ability to inhibit tumor growth, induce cell death, and modify the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the review discusses nanostructured chemically modified fucoidan-based biomaterials, which show potential for hydrogel engineering and enhanced drug delivery systems. These advancements highlight the significance of chemical modifications and mechanistic insights into targeted drug delivery and controlled release rates. Incorporating fucoidan into nanocarriers improves its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and structural stability, facilitating surface modifications that enhance targeting efficiency and therapeutic efficacy. This integrated approach of combining fucoidan's natural properties with nanotechnology presents innovative therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes while minimizing side effects.