In this study, we seek to elucidate the most recent research on nanotechnologies for oncology therapy, exposing its advantages, challenges and expectations regarding the efficiency of these methods. This is a theoretical bibliographical review article on the applications of nanomaterials in the treatment of cancer. In addition, the limitations and adverse effects of the main oncological treatments currently used were also discussed, as well as the benefit of combining these therapies with nanotechnology, through nanocarriers or nanoparticles, and the importance of searching for more satisfactory methods for cancer treatment.