Could a new form of cell death revolutionize cancer therapy? This review explores the emerging field of cuproptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cell death modality, and the potential of stimulus-responsive nanomaterials to induce or amplify this process for cancer treatment. Stimulus-responsive nanomaterials show a unique opportunity in eliciting effective cuproptosis to kill cancer cells. The review details the physiological characteristics of cuproptosis, including copper overload and depletion, and regulatory factors. It systematically delineates design methodologies for stimulus-responsive induction or enhancement of cuproptosis, employing stimuli like light, ultrasound, X-ray, and the tumor microenvironment. Stimuli such as light, ultrasound and the tumor microenvironment were all investigated. Stimulus-responsive nanomaterials offer the unique spatiotemporal control attributes to enhance and augment cuproptosis. Stimulus‐responsive nanomaterials can improve cancer treatment outcomes. Finally, it discusses the challenges and provides prospective insights into the future trajectory of copper-mediated cancer therapy. Nanomaterial design, therapeutic processes, and associated advantages are also delinated.
Published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, this review aligns with the journal's focus on medical technology, chemical technology, and biomaterials. It showcases the innovative use of nanomaterials in a therapeutic context, reflecting the journal's interest in cutting-edge advances in healthcare materials.