Antitumor Therapy Using Nanomaterial-Mediated Thermolysis

Nanomaterial-based systems present several novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer therapy based solely upon their unique physical and chemical properties. Despite advances in current cancer treatment, collateral damage to neighboring healthy tissues still cannot be avoided. By exploiting the strong optical and/or electromagnetic properties offered by nanomaterials, they are being employed as thermal nanoscalpels for the ablation of cancer cells. Through surface functionalization, these nanomaterials can be specifically targeted to tumorous tissue allowing for an increase in therapeutic potential and reduction in side effects. Moreover, these features provide nanomaterials with a tunable surface which can be used to modify optical, magnetic, thermal and mechanical properties. This review highlights carbon nanomaterials, nanogolds, magnetic nanoparticles and emerging hybrids applied for the thermolysis of cancer cells.