Research progress of copper-based metal–organic frameworks for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Cancer represents a major threat to human health, being a primary cause of mortality from diseases. The conventional methods for detection of tumor biomarker in clinical settings are often costly, time-intensive, and lack specificity. Furthermore, standard tumor treatments typically offer limited efficacy with a high risk of systemic toxicity, and are prone to relapse. Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly copper-based MOFs (Cu-MOFs), have been recognized as a promising avenue for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cu-MOFs are celebrated for their adjustable pore sizes, expansive specific surface areas, controlled degradation, and unique biochemical properties. To surmount the obstacles in clinical tumor diagnosis and therapy, Cu-MOFs have been developed into composite nanomaterials that exhibit superior capabilities. Their broad pore structures and high reactivity bolster the detection sensitivity for tumor biomarkers. Moreover, the distinct redox properties, photothermal conversion efficiency, and enzymatic activities of Cu-MOFs facilitate a low-toxicity, high-efficacy, and multidimensional approach to cancer treatment. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent progress in the application of Cu-MOFs for sensing tumor biomarker and therapeutic interventions. It also discusses the current challenges in this research area and proposes future directions to navigate these obstacles, aiming to unlock the full clinical potential of Cu-MOFs in cancer management.