Recent developments in the use of carbon-based nanomaterials in cancer therapy

Cancer is one of the most complex health problems worldwide, demanding innovative approaches to achieve effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The field of nanomedicine, including nanomaterials and particularly carbon-based nanoparticles, has emerged as a promising candidate to transform cancer therapy. This review presents a landscape of carbon nanomaterial- and nanoparticle-based cancer interventions. First, a brief overview of the types of nanomaterials available is provided, including metal-based nanomaterials, mesoporous silicas, polymers and composites (most notably MXenes and metal-organic frameworks), proteins, and carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon quantum dots. The latter have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional biocompatibility, tunable surface chemistry, and distinctive optical properties, making them ideal candidates for cancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The second part of this review focuses on briefly presenting the various therapies developed with carbon-based nanomaterials including chemo, radio, immuno, targeted, hyperthermia, photodynamic, and photothermal therapies.