Recent developments on copper incorporation of polymer thin films for cancer cell treatment: review

Cancer remains a critical global health challenge, with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy often hindered by issues like poor selectivity, systemic toxicity, and drug resistance. Recent advancements in materials science, particularly in the field of nanotechnology and drug delivery systems, have opened new avenues for more effective cancer therapies. This review focuses on copper-doped polymer thin films—an emerging class of therapeutic materials with promising anti-cancer properties. Copper, a biologically essential trace element, contributes to cancer cell apoptosis by inducing oxidative stress and has also been shown to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, helping to overcome drug resistance in various cancers. The paper reviews a broad spectrum of recent literature, encompassing both experimental and theoretical studies related to the synthesis, structural characterization, and biomedical performance of these materials. Methodologies such as in vitro cytotoxicity assays, in vivo treatment models, and physicochemical analyses are discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their therapeutic potential. The review concludes by highlighting the advantages, challenges, and future prospects of integrating copper-doped polymer thin films into advanced cancer treatment strategies.