Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part G (2025)

Based on to the hallmarks of cancer, there are six distinct capabilities contribute to the development and progression of cancer. Developments in the conceptual knowledge of cancer prevention over the last years have led to the recent suggestion that metabolic reprogramming and immunological evasion be agreed as new hallmarks. The target that epigenetic changes be considered another characteristic of cancer, and hence an extra focus for research in the next generation of cancer treatments. Galectin-3, a 31 kDa intracellular and extracellular lectin that interacts with extracellular matrix proteins, intracellular glycoproteins, and cell surface molecules. Galectin-3 is expressed in multiple cell types and modulates a variety of biological processes associated with tumorigenesis. These processes include cell adhesion, proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune response. Its unique ability to be intracellular and extracellular allows it to participate in a wide range of signaling pathways in tumor microenvironments. Several studies have demonstrated high levels of Galectin-3 in cancers, making it a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker. Galectin-3 has also been targeted as a novel strategy for treating cancer, but its clinical applications remain in their infancy. In this review, presented the discovery, biological functions, and oncological relevance of galectin-3 in cancer.