The discovery of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes led to a better understanding of tumorigenesis, and prompted the development of molecularly targeted therapy. Over the past 30 years, many new drugs, which are primarily aimed at activated oncogenic proteins in signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival, have been introduced in the clinic. Despite its rational design, the overall efficacy of targeted therapy has been modest. Recently, the noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of important cellular processes in addition to the known regulatory proteins. It now appears that dual epigenetic regulatory systems exist in higher eukaryotic cells: a ncRNA network that governs essential cell functions, like cell fate decision and maintenance of homeostasis, and a protein-based system that presides over core physiological processes, like cell division and genomic maintenance. Modifications of the ncRNA network due to altered ncRNAs can cause the cell to shift towards to neoplastic phenotype; this is cancer initiation. Mutations in the well-known cancer driver genes provide the incipient cancer cell with a selective growth advantage and fuel its consequent clonal expansion. Because of the crucial role of the altered ncRNAs in tumorigenesis, targeting them may be a reasonable therapeutic strategy.

Cancer is the greatest cause of mortality worldwide. Various drug classes treat various cancers. Nanoformulations made from natural sources are being studied for treating several diseases, including cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation have mostly failed to treat cancer. These drugs may damage quickly dividing healthy tissues, structural anomalies, bodily toxicity, long-term side effects, tumor cell drug resistance, and psychiatric disturbances. Researchers are developing nanoscale medicines using natural medications like Malva sylvestris and Curcumin to lower concentrations and improve target specificity. Nanoparticles’ small size and unique properties make them beneficial. They encapsulate medicinal ingredients, improving solubility, medication release, cellular absorption, and delivery. Nanoparticles may better identify and bind to cancer cells when functionalized with ligands. Natural chemicals and nanotechnology may improve medication availability, distribution, and targeting to cancer cells, making cancer treatments more effective and safe. Nanomedicine, which employs nanoparticles to treat cancer and malignant cells, has grown rapidly because nanodrugs are more effective and have fewer side effects than current commercial cancer drugs. Nanotechnology-based natural chemicals and pharmaceutical delivery methods for cancer therapy are covered in this review article. The paper discusses nanoparticle pros and cons and natural chemicals’ cancer-fighting appeal.