 This critical review summarizes the potential of abstract nanotechnology for cancer treatment, highlighting the advantages of engineered nanomaterials such as high specificity, sensitivity, efficacy, increased drug loading, improved half-life in the body, controlled release, and selective distribution. The review discusses various nanomaterials currently being employed for anti-cancer therapies, including polymeric nanomaterials, metallic nanoparticles, carbon-based materials, liposomes, and dendrimers. It also elaborates on the topical progress made in nanomaterial engineering for cancer therapy, drug targeting, and release strategies. The review addresses issues of nanotoxicity and challenges in nanotherapeutics, providing an outlook on the future of this important field. This article was authored by P. N. Navya, Anabov-Kaufel, S. P. Srinivas, and others.