Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Smart Platform for Targeted Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy

The global increase in the incidence of cancer, which is responsible for approximately ten million deaths annually, underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These traditional methods often result in significant adverse effects, necessitating the exploration of targeted approaches to mitigate toxicity and enhance efficacy. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising candidates for advanced cancer treatment, offering unique advantages through their highly porous structures, tunable properties, and multifunctionality. MOFs can enhance drug loading, enable controlled release, and improve targeting specificity, thereby reducing systemic toxicity. Their adaptability allows for combination therapies, theranostic applications, and gene delivery systems. Various metal organic framework (MOF) types, such as Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs), Isoreticular- MOFs, and Materials of Institute Lavoisier (MIL), have shown potential in delivering diverse therapeutic agents across different cancer types, including breast, liver, ovarian, and oral cancers. Advancements in synthesis techniques, such as microwave-assisted and electrochemical methods, have improved the efficiency and scalability of MOF production. The integration of MOFs into cancer therapeutics presents a transformative approach to address the limitations of traditional therapies, aiming to improve patient outcomes through targeted and personalized treatment modalities. Future research will focus on enhancing MOF biocompatibility and optimizing their clinical applications, positioning them as cornerstones in the next generation of cancer therapies.