Nanotechnology represents a revolutionary scientific field with growing applications in oncology. This review examines current advances in the development and application of nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanocarriers – including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and nanobodies – demonstrate significant advantages over conventional therapeutic approaches by enabling precise drug targeting to tumor tissue, reducing systemic toxicity, and overcoming drug resistance mechanisms. Nanodrug delivery systems exploit passive targeting through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, or active targeting via ligands, antibodies, and aptamers specific to tumor biomarkers. In diagnostics, quantum dots and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are applied in imaging and early detection of cancer cells. Integration of artificial intelligence with nanoplatforms opens new horizons for personalized medicine. Despite promising results from preclinical and clinical studies, the translation from laboratory to clinical practice remains challenging due to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, immunological clearance of nanoparticles, and regulatory requirements. This review systematizes current data, critically evaluates achievements, and identifies directions for future research in nanotechnology for cancer treatment.
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