Noble metal nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising cancer treatment modality with advantages such as precise targeting, convenient drug delivery, better efficacy, and minimal adverse effects. PTT works by absorbing near-infrared (NIR) light, which generates heat to destroy tumor cells. However, challenges such as low photothermal conversion efficiency, biosafety, and incomplete tumor elimination remain. Noble metal nanoparticles, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, are effective photosensitizers due to their strong surface plasmon resonance and ability to absorb specific NIR wavelengths, converting light into heat. This review discusses the key role of noble metal nanomaterials in PTT, challenges in its implementation, and recent advances in their application for cancer therapy. It also explores combined therapies, such as PTT with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The review highlights the potential of noble metal nanoparticles in drug delivery, bioimaging, and combination therapy, emphasizing their role in improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. The study also discusses the importance of noble metal nanomaterials in photothermal therapy and suggests future directions for achieving clinical anti-cancer effects. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and development in noble metal nanoparticle-based PTT for cancer therapy.Noble metal nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising cancer treatment modality with advantages such as precise targeting, convenient drug delivery, better efficacy, and minimal adverse effects. PTT works by absorbing near-infrared (NIR) light, which generates heat to destroy tumor cells. However, challenges such as low photothermal conversion efficiency, biosafety, and incomplete tumor elimination remain. Noble metal nanoparticles, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, are effective photosensitizers due to their strong surface plasmon resonance and ability to absorb specific NIR wavelengths, converting light into heat. This review discusses the key role of noble metal nanomaterials in PTT, challenges in its implementation, and recent advances in their application for cancer therapy. It also explores combined therapies, such as PTT with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The review highlights the potential of noble metal nanoparticles in drug delivery, bioimaging, and combination therapy, emphasizing their role in improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. The study also discusses the importance of noble metal nanomaterials in photothermal therapy and suggests future directions for achieving clinical anti-cancer effects. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and development in noble metal nanoparticle-based PTT for cancer therapy.