MXene Carriers in Photothermal Drug Delivery Cancer Treatment:
A Systematic Review
Hasong Koo
Conestoga High School, Berwyn, USA
Publication date: November 20, 2025
Conestoga High School, Berwyn, USA
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II21
ABSTRACT
Photothermal drug delivery, a therapy that uses light-absorbing materials for targeted drug release, has emerged as a promising non-invasive approach to overcome the limitations of conventional cancer treatments. This systematic review summarizes recent advances in MXene-based photothermal drug delivery, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MXene carriers are two-dimensional nanomaterials that enhance drug stability and targeting capabilities to increase efficacy and reduce side effects. The reviewed studies collectively demonstrate that MXene carriers exhibit high drug-loading capacity, efficient photothermal-triggered release, and substantial therapeutic efficacy across multiple cancer models. Additionally, statistical evaluation highlights a predominance of Ti3C2Tx titanium carbide MXenes, the critical role of surface functionalization, and irradiation laser source. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of current progress and outlines future directions toward the expansion of MXene-based nanoplatforms for effective and safe photothermal cancer therapy.
Photothermal drug delivery, a therapy that uses light-absorbing materials for targeted drug release, has emerged as a promising non-invasive approach to overcome the limitations of conventional cancer treatments. This systematic review summarizes recent advances in MXene-based photothermal drug delivery, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MXene carriers are two-dimensional nanomaterials that enhance drug stability and targeting capabilities to increase efficacy and reduce side effects. The reviewed studies collectively demonstrate that MXene carriers exhibit high drug-loading capacity, efficient photothermal-triggered release, and substantial therapeutic efficacy across multiple cancer models. Additionally, statistical evaluation highlights a predominance of Ti3C2Tx titanium carbide MXenes, the critical role of surface functionalization, and irradiation laser source. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of current progress and outlines future directions toward the expansion of MXene-based nanoplatforms for effective and safe photothermal cancer therapy.
