The effects of chlorotoxin and its derivatives on glioma cells: a systematic review of in vitro studies

Chlorotoxin (CTX), a peptide derived from scorpion venom, is used to detect chloride channels. CTX targets cancer cells like glioblastoma (GBM) via GBM-specific chloride channels. CTX-based uses in GBM focused on diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic techniques. After discovering CTX, researchers began screening different scorpion venoms for peptides with CTX-like characteristics. CTX and its derivatives have been studied for their effects on GBM for over 20 years; however, there is no systematic assessment of these studies in the literature. This is the first systematic review examining the association between CTX and GBM. Through a comprehensive systematic review and analysis of existing literature, we ultimately evaluated and cross-related 22 papers published over 22 years (1999–2023). This systematic review strives to advance our understanding of the role of CTX in GBM treatment. These outcomes could shape future research directions in neuro-oncology.