Covalent organic frameworks: Smart nanoarchitectures for targeted cancer therapy and imaging

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and requires new and targeted approaches for early detection and treatment. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are emerging as promising nanostructured materials for cancer applications. With remarkable properties such as tunable pore size and high specific surface area, chemical stability, and good biocompatibility, COFs can effectively encapsulate and release drugs, reducing drug toxicity while targeting tumor tissues. In this article, we overview recent breakthroughs in design and biomedical applications of COFs as smart drug carriers with a particular focus on their potential in cancer imaging and therapy. This manuscript also explores the potential of COFs to synergistically enhance the immune response and be coupled with emerging immunotherapy. Further research and translation of these materials offer exciting prospects for next-generation cancer theranostics.