Transition metal sulfides/transition metal phosphides (TMS/TMP) has shown great potential in cancer diagnosis and treatment due to its unique structural, optical, acoustic and magnetic properties. TMS/TMP can be formed from sulfur/phosphorus source and metal into binary compounds, or from the interaction of hydrogen sulfide (or hydrogen sulfuric acid) with metal oxides or hydroxides. It has a series of unique properties, such as high conductivity, metalloid properties, a variety of valence states and adjustable structure and so on. These advantages make it have great potential in biomedical applications, such as diagnostic imaging, disease therapy and drug/gene delivery. This review presents the latest research progress of TMS/TMP on tumor imaging, diagnosis and treatment. Here, we first illustrate the synthesis approaches and surface modification of TMS/TMP. Then, its emerging applications in tumor diagnosis and therapy are highlighted. Moreover, the challenges of TMS/TMP-mediated diagnosis/treat are provided and the prospective for this field are discussed.

Nanozyme with biomimetic enzyme activity has the advantages of good catalytic performance, high stability, and is not easily affected by temperature. However, the application of tumor microenvironment (TME) in the tumor is limited due to its low catalytic activity. Herein, a multifunctional nanozyme based on CuCoP with multivalent metal ions (Cu+/Cu2+ and Co2+/ Co3+) provides an innovative strategy for constructing acid-responsive cancer therapy. CuCoP has excellent photothermal properties (photothermal conversion efficiency of 66.9%) as well as glutathione (GSH) peroxidase activity and high photo-enhanced peroxidase-like (POD) enzyme activity in weak acid TME. CuCoP can consume the overexpressed GSH, thus alleviating the antioxidant capacity of the tumor, and reduces Cu2+/ Co3+ to Cu+/ Co 2+. Subsequently, the generated Cu+/Co2+ will react with endogenous H2O2 to generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (•OH), which have high catalytic efficiency in weakly acidic TME. Crucially, the synergistic effect of PTT and the cascade reaction of bimetallic atoms with GSH and H2O2 can effectively reduce antioxidant capacity, inhibit tumors and trigger effective immune cell death (ICD) process, which caused a strong immune response and inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis. As a novel bimetallic sulfide nanoenzyme triggered by TME, CuCoP has great research value in cancer therapy.

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related mortality. Metastasis is a process through which cancer spreads from its initial location to other sections of the body. Cancer cells' epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), anoikis resistance, cell migration, and angiogenesis are all well-known steps in this process. Investigating the molecular processes that govern cancer metastatic progression may lead to more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently discovered to have a vital more than 200 nucleotides. A rising body of research indicates that lncRNAs have a role in a wide range of biological processes and diseases, including cancer. The usage of LncRNA in cancer metastasis has been widely researched. However, according to current studies, lncRNA is mostly associated with the EMT process. This review focuses on the processes behind lncRNA involvement in cancer metastasis.

Cancer, a global health menace, continues to pose significant challenges in terms of incidence and mortality, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Despite existing treatments, the limitations persist, prompting a quest for novel approaches. The emergence of immunotherapy marked a transformative era in solid tumor treatments, yet its efficacy is constrained by adverse effects. Concurrently, the integration of advanced technologies into cancer treatment explores the vast potential residing at the molecular level through gene analysis and manipulation. This review articulates the role of state-of-the-art genome editing technology, notably clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR-Cas9), in overcoming the constraints of immunotherapy for cancers. Unveiling the intricacies of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing, the review introduces the formidable CRISPR toolbox. A spotlight is cast on the transformative impact of CRISPR-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) on cancer immunotherapy, encompassing knockout and knock-in strategies. The utilization of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in pre-clinical cancer research has demonstrated notable success; however, its transition to the clinical setting remains in the nascent stages of development. This review aims to elucidate the fundamental aspects of CRISPR technology and offer a comprehensive survey of its existing applications while outlining its prospective role in the realm of cancer therapies. Through an exploration of CRISPR's mechanisms, current applications, and anticipated future potentials, this review provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of CRISPR-based cancer treatment strategies.