A review on human cancer and potential role of MXenes in cancer therapy

¹ Department of Maritime Science and Technology, Faculty of Defence Science and Technology, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
² Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
³ Department of science, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gujarat, India

^* Corresponding author: nanthini@upnm.edu.my

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and is having a serious impact on the global economy. Various treatment modalities are in use to treat cancer but none of the techniques is risk-free. Recently, various nanomaterials such as gold, boron, and other compounds have been investigated for radiotherapy and as anti-cancer drug carriers with promising results. MXenes are 2D novel nanomaterials and their biomedical and anticancer properties are gaining interest due to their high biomedical activity, less bio-toxicity, and photo-responsive nature. However, the biological properties of MXense have not been studied extensively, therefore, limited data is published on its in-vitro and in-vivo anticancer activities, drug loading efficacy, targeted release, and on its photothermal therapy response. In this review, we have discussed the use of nanoparticles and MXenen nanomaterial in cancer therapy. Furthermore, the role of Mxene as a photothermal agent and drug carrier has also been emphasized, along with the present challenges for the use of nanomaterials in the treatment of cancer.