Fenton reaction-based nanomedicine in cancer chemodynamic and synergistic therapy

The recently developed reactive oxygen species (ROS)-manipulated nanocatalytic medicine in cancer treatment based on the Fenton reaction, defined as chemodynamic therapy (CDT), has been extensively studied and got fast progress. However, the heterogeneity and complexity of tumors impair the oxidation efficiency of Fenton reaction to some degree. For this reason, various modified strategies, such as Fenton-like reaction, photo-enhanced Fenton reaction, and Fenton catalytic-enhanced synergistic therapy, are being explored to improve the efficiency of CDT and traditional therapeutic methods. In this review, the recent progress in the design and application of Fenton nanocatalysts that employ Fenton or modified Fenton reaction for CDT is highlighted. Then, the latest signs of improvement in Fenton catalysis-enhanced cancer synergistic therapy are systematically presented. Finally, the purpose of this review is also to provide a better understanding of Fenton's reaction in cancer treatment and to anticipate the obstacles and challenges in the future development of CDT-based nanocatalytic medicine and combined therapy.