Cerium-based nanozymes for chemodynamic therapy: tumor microenvironment-responsive mechanisms and applications

Cerium-based nanozymes (CeNZs) are a class of nanomaterials possessing enzyme-like catalytic activities. Their unique Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ redox pair and multi-enzyme mimicking activities make them highly advantageous for tumor chemodynamic therapy (CDT). This review systematically summarizes recent research progress in the application of CeNZs for tumor CDT. It focuses on their multi-enzyme catalytic mechanisms and the intelligent regulation of their catalytic behavior by the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, it elaborates on various CeNZ-based CDT strategies, including single-modality CDT, self-supplying CDT, and combination therapies integrated with photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy. Finally, the challenges and future directions for the clinical translation of CeNZs are discussed, focusing on precise design, biosafety, and efficacy evaluation. As high-performance and tunable nanocatalytic platforms, CeNZs hold broad prospects for developing efficient and low-toxicity tumor treatment strategies.