The article provides a comprehensive review of the applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in cancer therapy, focusing on their potential in diagnostics, targeted therapies, and toxicity evaluation. CNTs, due to their unique mechanical, electronic, and physicochemical properties, have attracted significant attention in nanomedicine. They can be used as drug carriers for targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. Additionally, CNTs can be combined with other therapeutic approaches, such as photothermal and photodynamic therapies, to synergistically destroy cancer cells. In cancer diagnostics, CNTs are used in various imaging techniques, including photoacoustic imaging, fluorescence imaging, and Raman imaging, to detect biomarkers and early signs of cancer. These techniques offer high sensitivity and specificity, making CNTs valuable tools for early cancer detection. For cancer therapy, CNTs are being explored for their ability to target specific cellular and extracellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). They can be used for nuclear targeting, cytoplasmic targeting, and TME-responsive drug release, improving the effectiveness of cancer treatments. For example, CNTs can deliver drugs like doxorubicin and siRNA to target genes involved in cancer progression, such as HIF-1α and EGFR. However, the use of CNTs in cancer therapy also raises concerns about their potential toxicity. Studies have shown that CNTs can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, particularly in the cardiovascular system, lungs, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system (CNS). Understanding and mitigating these toxic effects are crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of CNTs in clinical applications. Overall, the article highlights the promising role of CNTs in cancer diagnostics and therapy, while also emphasizing the need for further research to address their potential risks and optimize their use in clinical settings.The article provides a comprehensive review of the applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in cancer therapy, focusing on their potential in diagnostics, targeted therapies, and toxicity evaluation. CNTs, due to their unique mechanical, electronic, and physicochemical properties, have attracted significant attention in nanomedicine. They can be used as drug carriers for targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. Additionally, CNTs can be combined with other therapeutic approaches, such as photothermal and photodynamic therapies, to synergistically destroy cancer cells. In cancer diagnostics, CNTs are used in various imaging techniques, including photoacoustic imaging, fluorescence imaging, and Raman imaging, to detect biomarkers and early signs of cancer. These techniques offer high sensitivity and specificity, making CNTs valuable tools for early cancer detection. For cancer therapy, CNTs are being explored for their ability to target specific cellular and extracellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). They can be used for nuclear targeting, cytoplasmic targeting, and TME-responsive drug release, improving the effectiveness of cancer treatments. For example, CNTs can deliver drugs like doxorubicin and siRNA to target genes involved in cancer progression, such as HIF-1α and EGFR. However, the use of CNTs in cancer therapy also raises concerns about their potential toxicity. Studies have shown that CNTs can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, particularly in the cardiovascular system, lungs, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system (CNS). Understanding and mitigating these toxic effects are crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of CNTs in clinical applications. Overall, the article highlights the promising role of CNTs in cancer diagnostics and therapy, while also emphasizing the need for further research to address their potential risks and optimize their use in clinical settings.