Anticancer potential of lactoferrin: effects, drug synergy and molecular interactions

Cancer treatment is among today’s most active and challenging research fields. In recent years, significant progress has been made in developing new cancer therapies, including nutraceuticals and natural compounds with anticancer properties. Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein present in mammals, is of significant interest due to its pleiotropic behavior, demonstrating a broad spectrum of biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of Lf's role in cancer. In addition, it exhibits a synergistic effect along with conventional drugs, potentially enhancing their efficacy and, at the same time, reducing the side effects associated with most traditional therapies. However, it is essential to consider the precise molecular mechanism by which Lf exerts its antitumor activity. Searching interactions with several molecules can provide insight into this mechanism. Additionally, finding lactoferrin receptors can improve the strategies for the specific release of the conjugates. For all these reasons, Lactoferrin becomes a potential therapeutic agent that should be examined in depth. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.