Additional, Supportive and Non-Conventional Approaches inCancer Therapy: Biological Properties of Snail Slime and OtherNatural Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Specific Cancer Types- A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Advances in oncology have significantly improved survival outcomes; however, cancer therapies remain associated with substantial adverse effects that impair patients’ quality of life. This has increased interest in evidence-based supportive and non-conventional approaches that complement standard oncological treatment.

Objective: To review current scientific evidence regarding the biological properties of snail slime (snail mucus, snail secretion filtrate) and to evaluate its potential supportive applications across specific cancer types.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed articles published in English up to 2025 were included, encompassing experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies.

Results: Snail slime contains bioactive compounds such as allantoin, collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, antimicrobial peptides, and antioxidants. These components exhibit regenerative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and wound-healing properties. Tumor-specific anticancer evidence remains limited and largely preclinical, whereas supportive-care applications are biologically plausible and supported by experimental and clinical wound-healing data.

Conclusions: Snail slime may serve as a supportive adjunct in oncology, particularly for managing treatment-related skin and tissue complications across multiple cancer types. There is no evidence supporting its use as a primary anticancer therapy. Further standardized and tumor-specific studies are required.