Abstract
<jats:p>This chapter reviews the paradigm shift in nano-oncology from conventional, heavy-metal-based nanoparticles to sustainable carbon-based nanostructures (CNMs). Although currently, orthodox cancer therapies are limited because of systemic toxicities and lack of selectivity, carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, and graphene quantum dots can serve as a biocompatible substitute to orthodox cancer treatments, as they were green-synthesized using a range of different carbon-based materials. In addition, they can be targeted to tumor receptors through an active direct approach using their versatile surface chemistry, and stimuli-responsive therapeutic release, in particular, pH, enzyme-triggered, and near-infrared light-triggered. This summary paper underscores the various uses of sustainable CNMs in high-resolution optical imaging, photo-induced cancer therapies (PTT/PDT), advanced gene or immunotherapy delivery, and ultra-sensitive biomolecular diagnostics to precision theranostics.</jats:p>