Advances in cancer biology have led to the development of cancer nanomedicines, utilizing nanotechnology for improved treatment options. The discovery of nanometer-sized intercellular openings in tumor vasculature enabled the concept of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, a passive targeting regime in cancer treatment. Recently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have gained attention for their role in cancer, from signaling molecules to cytotoxic agents. This research highlights ROS-mediated cancer therapies, focusing on ROS as drug delivery enhancers and cell death inducers. Our developments include nitric oxide-generating nanoparticles for better EPR effect, polymeric micelles for enhanced drug delivery, and innovative nanoreactors for oxidation therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and sonodynamic therapy (SDT). These advancements show promise in preclinical studies, and further efforts aim to ensure clinical translation.-Scientific Journal cover design by scapiens

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00136