Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are promising drug delivery systems for cancer therapy due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to target cancer cells. This review discusses the development, characterization, and applications of LBNPs in cancer treatment. LBNPs include liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), each with unique properties and advantages. The EPR effect, which enhances tumor targeting, is crucial for LBNP efficacy. LBNPs can deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, improving therapeutic outcomes. They are also effective in delivering nucleic acids like DNA, mRNA, and siRNA. LBNPs are characterized by their morphology, size, surface charge, and phase transition temperature. Their stability and clearance are influenced by interactions with plasma proteins. LBNPs are classified into different types based on their nanostructure and composition. Various synthesis methods, including bulk nanoprecipitation, solvent-based emulsification, nonsolvent emulsification, microfluidic approaches, and coacervation, are used to produce LBNPs. These methods have different advantages and drawbacks. LBNPs can overcome drug resistance by targeting cancer cells and modulating resistance mechanisms. They also enhance tumor targeting through passive and active targeting strategies. LBNPs can encapsulate both water-soluble and water-insoluble drugs, improving drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. LBNPs have been approved for cancer treatment and are being developed for various cancer types, including gastric and esophageal cancer. Their potential in cancer therapy is significant, and further research is needed to optimize their use.Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are promising drug delivery systems for cancer therapy due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to target cancer cells. This review discusses the development, characterization, and applications of LBNPs in cancer treatment. LBNPs include liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), each with unique properties and advantages. The EPR effect, which enhances tumor targeting, is crucial for LBNP efficacy. LBNPs can deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, improving therapeutic outcomes. They are also effective in delivering nucleic acids like DNA, mRNA, and siRNA. LBNPs are characterized by their morphology, size, surface charge, and phase transition temperature. Their stability and clearance are influenced by interactions with plasma proteins. LBNPs are classified into different types based on their nanostructure and composition. Various synthesis methods, including bulk nanoprecipitation, solvent-based emulsification, nonsolvent emulsification, microfluidic approaches, and coacervation, are used to produce LBNPs. These methods have different advantages and drawbacks. LBNPs can overcome drug resistance by targeting cancer cells and modulating resistance mechanisms. They also enhance tumor targeting through passive and active targeting strategies. LBNPs can encapsulate both water-soluble and water-insoluble drugs, improving drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. LBNPs have been approved for cancer treatment and are being developed for various cancer types, including gastric and esophageal cancer. Their potential in cancer therapy is significant, and further research is needed to optimize their use.