The venom of the Palestinian yellow scorpion, also known as the Deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus), has shown promising applications in the field of medicine, particularly in cancer treatment. It is one of the most expensive substances in the world. It is valued at approximately $39 million per gallon. This high cost is primarily due to the difficulty of extraction, as each scorpion produces only a tiny amount of venom—about two milligrams at a time.

One of the primary components of its venom, chlorotoxin, has been extensively studied for its ability to target and bind to glioma cells, a type of aggressive brain cancer. Researchers have found that chlorotoxin can be used in various innovative therapies:

Cancer Imaging

Chlorotoxin has been conjugated with fluorescent molecules to create "tumor paint," which helps surgeons visualize cancerous tissues during operations. This technique aids in distinguishing tumor cells from healthy cells, enhancing surgical precision. 

Targeted Therapy

Chlorotoxin has been modified to deliver therapeutic agents directly to tumor cells. For instance, researchers have combined chlorotoxin with radioactive iodine to selectively deliver radiation to glioma cells, showing significant potential in slowing tumor growth and improving patient outcomes.

CAR T Cell Therapy

Recent studies have engineered CAR T cells using chlorotoxin to improve their targeting of glioblastoma cells. This approach enhances the ability of T cells to locate and destroy cancer cells, potentially offering a more effective treatment for this difficult-to-treat cancer.