Nanoscale metal-organic frameworks regulate redox homeostasis for Cancer therapy

Redox metabolism plays a pivotal role in cancer initiation, progression, and resistance, making it an attractive target for intervention. Nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile platforms for redox modulation owing to their intrinsic redox activity and high porosity for therapeutic encapsulation. Their modular architectures allow the integration of redox-active metal nodes and functional ligands to directly influence redox processes, while the porous frameworks facilitate efficient loading and controlled release of therapeutic agents. This review summarizes recent advances in MOF-based redox modulation strategies, including approaches to increase reactive oxygen species accumulation via external stimuli or catalytic pathways, suppress antioxidant systems such as glutathione, thioredoxin, and NAD(P)H, and modulate redox-related signaling pathways that govern tumor metabolism and immunity. We conclude with a discussion of key challenges, including biosafety, stability, and clinical translation, and highlight opportunities for future research at the interface of MOF-based nanomedicine and tumor redox biology.