Current advances, limitations, and future perspectives of MOF-based versatile delivery platforms for cancer therapy

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging as highly versatile nanoplatforms for cancer therapy. Their large surface area, adjustable porosity, and tunable chemistry allow efficient loading of many therapeutic cargos. MOFs also interact closely with key features of the tumor microenvironment, such as pH, hypoxia, redox conditions, adenosine triphosphate concentration, and ionic imbalance. These interactions enable controlled and stimulus-responsive release. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of MOF-based systems to deliver drugs, nucleic acids, proteins, and therapeutic gases with improved therapeutic performance. Multi-cargo strategies further enhance anticancer efficacy by combining complementary mechanisms in a single platform. This review summarizes these advances and highlights the potential of MOFs to support precise and effective cancer treatment. Continued progress in this field may accelerate the development of next-generation MOF-based therapeutic systems for clinical applications.