 Catalytic cancer therapies using external physical fields such as light, ultrasound, electricity, temperature, x-ray, magnetic field, and microwave have been developed recently. These therapies use less toxic or nontoxic substances to convert them into toxic agents for cancer suppression. This review summarizes the current state of research in these fields, discussing their properties, mechanisms, and advantages. Additionally, the rapid development of catalytic nanomedicine is discussed, with particular focus on its potential applications in cancer therapy. Finally, the remaining challenges and future directions of this field are outlined. This article was authored by Qingyuan Wu, Haoyuan Zhong, and Huiyu Liu.