Distinct Chemical Scaffolds of Marine-Derived Compounds and Their Translational Potential in Targeted Cancer Therapy

Marine ecosystems represent one of the richest reservoirs of chemically diverse and biologically potent natural products, many of which possess remarkable anticancer properties. This chapter provides an integrated overview of the discovery, structural elucidation, mechanistic diversity, and translational potential of marine-derived anticancer compounds. We begin by examining marine biodiversity hotspots, including deep-sea hydrothermal vents, hypoxic zones, and polar waters in which extreme environmental factors drive the evolution of structurally unique metabolites. It further outlines the current advances in extraction and analysis that have revolutionized natural product discovery, through platforms like supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Mechanistic insights are highlighted across major anticancer pathways, including cell signaling, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, modulation of immune responses, epigenetic reprogramming, proteasome inhibition, and autophagy interference. Approaches like high-throughput omics, computational screening, AI-guided drug design, and metabolic engineering through CRISPR and nanotechnology-driven drug delivery are redefining how marine metabolites are identified, optimized, produced, and enhanced for targeted delivery. By integrating ecological, biochemical, and technological perspectives, this chapter underscores the enormous clinical potential of marine-derived natural products, while addressing challenges related to sustainable production, biosynthetic complexity, and translational development.