Chemodynamic therapy
(CDT) has aroused extensive attention for
cancer treatment in the last five years, as it could suppress tumor
progression through in situ detrimental oxidative stress of the tumor
cells via the Fenton reaction. Under a tumor acidic microenvironment,
the Fenton reaction can be initiated for disproportioning endogenous
hydrogen peroxide into highly toxic hydroxyl radical. Taking advantage
of the highly tumor-specific therapy modality, various Fenton nanocatalysts
have been developed for CDT. In particular, iron-containing Fenton
nanocatalysts with minimal cytotoxicity exhibit great promise for
clinical translation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress
of CDT based on iron-containing nanomaterials, including iron oxide
nanoparticles, glassy iron nanoclusters, ferrocene nanoparticles,
metal polyphenol networks, metal–organic frameworks, etc. We
also discuss the challenges and perspectives for promoting CDT by
rational design of iron-containing nanomaterials, highlighting their
potential for precise cancer therapy.