Carbon-based nanomedicines as anticancer Trojan Horses

Carbon-based nanomaterials have attracted a lot of attention in recent years because of their unique and extraordinary properties which could be exploited for therapeutic, diagnostic and theranostic purposes. Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes (ƒCNTs) have shown their ability to deliver therapeutic molecules ranging from small anticancer molecules to macromolecules as they are up taken by cells via an energy independent mechanism. While chemotherapy is still the main therapeutic modality in the treatment of cancer, there is always the issue of side effects and relapse after treatment. ƒCNTs can be engineered to specifically target cancer cells, increase the drug payload inside them and reduce multidrug resistance. Carbon nanotubes can therefore act as anticancer Trojan horses. Herein, the discussion is on the state of the art of ƒCNTs as cancer therapeutics and their potential for the delivery of cancer therapeutics in 2D cell monolayers, 3D tumor spheroids and in vivo models. The further highlight is on the gaps in the field which needs to be addressed before the translational move of these nanomaterials into the clinic.