Recent Advances in Graphene-Based Materials for Application in Cancer Therapy

The surge in morbidity and death rates among patients suffering from cancer call for innovation towards efficient therapeutic strategies. Conventional therapy fails to treat cancer or to provide prolonged survival rate due to its toxic side effects on normal cells and lack of target specificity. In recent years, 2D materials (graphene and graphene analogues) have gained remarkable attention owing to their intriguing potential for therapeutic and targeted delivery in cancer theranostics. Due to their tunable physicochemical properties, π-π conjugated structure, optical characteristics, modifiable active moieties, strong photothermal effect, high compatibility, and ease of fabrication, graphene-based materials are highly suited for cancer treatment. This book chapter meticulously discusses the synthesis, modifications, and biomedical applications of graphene-based materials, explicitly focusing on graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The authors detail the various methods for synthesizing GO and rGO, their physicochemical properties, and how these properties can be tailored for specific applications in drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. Notably, this work highlights the versatility of GO and rGO in enhancing the solubility and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, supported by examples such as the improved solubility of doxorubicin and the use of graphene for targeted drug delivery, which leverages the nano-scale properties of graphene for effective cancer treatment. By compiling and synthesizing recent research findings, the chapter is a valuable resource for nanotechnology and biomedical sciences researchers, providing a solid foundation for future studies and technological advancements in using graphene-based materials for cancer therapy. This work underscores the critical advancements in graphene technology and its promising future in medical applications, especially in enhancing the effectiveness and safety of cancer treatments.