Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are emerging as promising agents for cancer therapy, with applications in drug delivery, photothermal therapy, contrast agents, and radiosensitisers. This review highlights recent advances in GNP research, including their potential in clinical trials. GNPs are small, biocompatible, and can be functionalised for targeted delivery. They exhibit unique physicochemical properties, such as surface plasmon resonance, enabling their use in biomedical applications. GNPs can be used as drug carriers, with examples including the use of 5-nm GNPs as a delivery vehicle for cetuximab and gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. GNPs can also be used for thermal therapy, where they generate heat when exposed to laser light, leading to tumour destruction. GNPs have also been explored as contrast agents, offering better contrast than iodine in certain imaging modalities. Additionally, GNPs have shown potential as radiosensitisers, enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy. However, challenges remain in terms of toxicity, biodistribution, and the need for standardised characterisation and testing. Despite these challenges, GNPs show great promise in cancer therapy, with ongoing research aimed at improving their safety and efficacy. Clinical trials are ongoing, and further studies are needed to fully understand the potential of GNPs in cancer treatment.Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are emerging as promising agents for cancer therapy, with applications in drug delivery, photothermal therapy, contrast agents, and radiosensitisers. This review highlights recent advances in GNP research, including their potential in clinical trials. GNPs are small, biocompatible, and can be functionalised for targeted delivery. They exhibit unique physicochemical properties, such as surface plasmon resonance, enabling their use in biomedical applications. GNPs can be used as drug carriers, with examples including the use of 5-nm GNPs as a delivery vehicle for cetuximab and gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. GNPs can also be used for thermal therapy, where they generate heat when exposed to laser light, leading to tumour destruction. GNPs have also been explored as contrast agents, offering better contrast than iodine in certain imaging modalities. Additionally, GNPs have shown potential as radiosensitisers, enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy. However, challenges remain in terms of toxicity, biodistribution, and the need for standardised characterisation and testing. Despite these challenges, GNPs show great promise in cancer therapy, with ongoing research aimed at improving their safety and efficacy. Clinical trials are ongoing, and further studies are needed to fully understand the potential of GNPs in cancer treatment.