Nanorobotics in cancer care: innovation without translation?

Cancer remains a leading global health burden, with approximately 19.3 million new cases reported worldwide. Limitations of conventional therapies have accelerated interest in nanobots as precision tools for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Their nanoscale dimensions allow targeted drug delivery, reduced systemic toxicity, and enhanced therapeutic efficiency, including hyperthermia-based interventions. Advanced nanobot designs, such as isotope-labeled nanocarbon constructs, three-dimensional DNA nanobots, DNA-origami carriers, and magnetically propelled systems, demonstrate promising capabilities in biomarker detection, controlled drug release, and tumor-specific coagulation. However, despite these innovations, significant translational challenges persist, including safety concerns, off-target effects, and difficulties in external magnetic control. Bridging these gaps will require robust regulatory frameworks, improved nano-tumor biology insights, scalable manufacturing, and the integration of artificial intelligence-driven personalization. Addressing these issues will be pivotal for the clinical incorporation of nanobots in cancer therapy.