Nanomolecular machines: Pioneering precision medicine for neoplastic diseases through advanced diagnosis and treatment

Tumors pose a major threat to human health, accounting for nearly one-sixth of global deaths annually. The primary treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, each associated with significant side effects. This has driven the search for new therapies with fewer side effects and greater specificity. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field in this regard, particularly nanomolecular machines at the nanoscale. Nanomolecular machines are typically constructed from biological macromolecules like proteins, DNA, and RNA. These machines can be programmed to perform specialized tasks with precise instructions. Recent research highlights their potential in tumor diagnostics-identifying susceptibility genes, detecting viruses, and pinpointing tumor markers. Nanomolecular machines also offer advancements in tumor therapy. They can reduce traditional treatment side effects by delivering chemotherapy drugs and enhancing immunotherapy, and they support innovative treatments like sonodynamic and phototherapy. Additionally, they can starve tumors by blocking blood vessels, and eliminate tumors by disrupting cell membranes or lysosomes. This review categorizes and explains the latest achievements in molecular machine research, explores their models, and practical clinical uses in tumor diagnosis and treatment. It aims to broaden the research perspective and accelerate the clinical adoption of these technologies.