Navigating the future of oncology: the transformative role of microrobots in precision cancer therapy

Systemic chemotherapy has long served as a cornerstone in the management of various malignancies. However, its inherent lack of specificity often leads to significant adverse effects, prompting the exploration of innovative nanomedicine strategies to enhance therapeutic precision. Among these advancements, the engineering of microrobots has emerged as a promising avenue, garnering increasing interest due to their unique capabilities. Microrobots can actively navigate tissues, enabling highly efficient, targeted delivery to cancer sites. Various designs, including tailored motile bacteria, micro engines propelled by gas bubbles, and hybrid sperm-based systems, can be engineered with sophisticated features optimized for the precise targeting of diverse tumour types. This review delves into the potential of microrobots to swiftly and effectively identify cancer cells, highlighting their distinct advantages over traditional delivery methods. Additionally, we provide an overview of the drug loading and release mechanisms employed by these microrobots, underscoring their capacity to enhance therapeutic outcomes. By presenting this comprehensive examination, this manuscript aims to assist clinicians and medical professionals in advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies, potentially reducing the need for invasive surgical interventions.