Current Cancer Therapy Reviews - Volume 22, Issue 2, 2026

Cancer is regarded as one of the global public health challenges and has been reported across all age groups worldwide. However, due to the presence of multiple barriers (like poor awareness, stigma and taboos associated with cancer, inadequate screening programs, etc.), the diagnosis of cancer is often delayed and this continues to remain a major public health challenge for the policymakers and healthcare providers. The delay in the diagnosis of cancer, attributed to the combined impact of stigma, myths, misconceptions, and sociocultural practices, leads to a loss of opportunity to achieve better patient outcomes. Acknowledging the adverse consequences of stigma and taboos, there is an immense need to improve the existing scenario with the help of public health interventions. Thus, the presence of stigma and taboos associated with cancer has significantly impacted the process of early cancer diagnosis and accounts for poor patient prognosis. The need of the hour is to create awareness among the general population with the help of culturally tailored measures and supplement them with a supportive healthcare environment to decrease stigma and facilitate early diagnosis.

Thymol is the most common dietary constituent and is mainly found in thyme species. It contains 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol with colorless crystalline in nature. Nowadays, it is used in traditional medicine. It has been observed that thymol has several pharmacological properties as well as multiple therapeutic activities that include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, and others. The object of this review article is to summarize the anticancer effect of thymol and thymol nanoparticles in different types of cancer as well as different molecular level mechanism pathways for inhibition of cancer. In breast cancer, thymol stops the G0/G1 phase in the cell cycle in the MCF-7 cell line as well as decreases the synthesis of matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP2) and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP9), extracellular kinases related to signal (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and protein kinase Cα (PKCα) in G6 glioma cells. Different types of nanoparticle formulations loaded with thymol have developed in recent research due to their potential therapeutic activity, pharmacological action as well as a significant mechanism of action as nature-originated potential candidates. This review focuses on current research, both in vitro and in vivo, the significant therapeutic activity of thymol, and the challenges concerning its use for prevention.

In the ongoing fight against cancer, conventional approaches often prove inadequate, struggling with inefficiency and hazardous side effects. Introducing nanochip technology, a promising solution in the pursuit of safer and more efficient cancer treatment. This study examines the development, uses, and potential future of nanochip technology, with a specific focus on its applications in the field of cancer detection and therapy. This review aims to study the current advancements in nanochip technology and its applications in oncology, focusing on how these innovations can potentially revolutionize cancer therapy. To discuss the potential challenges and future prospects of integrating nanochips into clinical oncology practice. Silicon wafers and biocompatible polymers (e.g., PDMS) are commonly used as substrates due to their excellent thermal and electrical properties, ease of fabrication, and ability to integrate with biological systems. Photolithography technique is widely used to pattern nanochips with microscale precision, enabling the fabrication of high-density arrays for biomolecule capture and analysis. Nanochips outperform standard cancer detection and treatment, according to the findings. Nanochips accurately identify cancer biomarkers, enabling early diagnosis and real-time disease progression tracking. Nanochips also carry anti-cancer medications directly to cells, reducing side effects and boosting treatment results. Oncology is advancing using nanochip technology that combines diagnostic and therapeutic functions. These technologies will improve with continued study, bringing the medical community closer to more effective and safer cancer therapies. Nanochips might revolutionize cancer treatment and patient quality of life.

Globally, breast cancer is still a major health concern because of its complex epidemiology, a wide range of symptoms, and a multitude of causes It is mainly caused by the uncontrolled growth of breast tissue cells and a variety of factors influence breast cancer, including hormones, lifestyle decisions, genetic predispositions, and environmental exposures. Breast cancer is classified based on molecular subtypes and their location. Many current treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies, are used to improve the health of patients. However, drug resistance and systemic toxicity may restrict therapeutic efficacy despite advancements in therapy. In pursuit of these unmet challenges, nanotechnology has been employed to serve as drug carriers, aiming to optimize therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects. These nanoparticulate formulations can be customized for targeted delivery, resulting in accurate drug localization in tumor tissues while protecting healthy cells at the same time. Additionally, they regulate the release of the drug, prolonging its circulation duration and improving its bioavailability. This review addresses various approaches to nano-formulations, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, gold nanoparticles, and quantum dots that can be utilized to overcome treatment obstacles and enhance drug distribution.

Lung cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, following cardiovascular disease. It is defined as a disease in which lung cells divide uncontrollably, forming tumors that can either remain localised or spread to other parts of the body. Patients with lung cancer often experience symptoms, such as shortness of breath, pain, and loss of appetite, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Additionally, the treatment of lung cancer, particularly chemotherapy, can cause severe adverse effects. Risk factors, such as smoking, and alcohol consumption, can increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Therefore, it is essential to provide palliative care to all lung cancer patients to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Simply relying on curative treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may not be enough to achieve therapeutic goals. Effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is crucial in ensuring that appropriate palliative care is provided. Misunderstandings can arise if there are gaps in communication between patients and healthcare professionals, leading to suboptimal care plans. Unfortunately, palliative care services are still not widely known or easily accessible. More research is needed to promote and expand access to palliative care services for patients with lung cancer. This review summarises the etiological factors, consequences, symptoms management, and the beneficial role of palliative care in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for lung cancer patients. It also discusses implications for practice and research, as well as challenges in palliative and end-of-life care for these patients.