Multidimensional transitional metal-actuated nanoplatforms for cancer chemodynamic modulation

[Display omitted] •Transitional metal nanoplatforms for cancer chemodynamic modulation are reviewed.•Relationships between transitional metal and tumor microenvironment are discussed.•Advances of multidimensional transitional metal-based nanoplatforms are outlined.•The clinical transformation of transitional metal nanoplatforms are prospected. Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases threatening human health worldwide. As the understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) becomes more comprehensive, many promising TME-enabled nanotherapies have been developed, such as dynamic therapy and immunotherapy. Transitional metal elements also play an indispensable regulatory role in TME by exerting crucial physiological functions in the human body, thereby affecting the formation and progression of tumors, and exhibiting significant potential for anticancer strategies. They can spontaneously activate in situ chemical regulation at the tumor site based on the Fenton/Fenton-like reaction to interfere with the TME redox potential. Based on this, the concept of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) as one of the most popular therapeutic methods came into being. This article introduces the transitional metal-based chemodynamic adjustment mechanisms and systematically reviews the latest CDT-relevant antineoplastic nanosystems, with their applications based on different dimensions. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of transitional metal-based chemodynamic modulation strategies in future development and clinical translation are examined.