Proteins play a fundamental and multifaceted role in the microenvironment of tumor development, acting as key mediators in cancer communication, structure, and evolution. This environment is constantly remodeled by functional proteins that promote the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. In the literature, we find proteins that can be used for diagnostic purposes, and their effect on the process of tumor growth inhibition is even being analyzed. The mechanism of action of these proteins may be aimed at modifying angiogenesis or inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. We must not overlook the fact that proteins serve as biomarkers for the early detection of cancer, blocking specific enzymes or proteins that drive tumor progression. In any of these applications, it should be considered that the origin of the proteins may be animal or plant.

The identification of specific proteins that alter the microenvironment, such as those involved in tumor metastasis or even those that offer drug resistance, opens avenues for the development of targeted therapies.