Purpose <p>Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring mucopolysaccharide known for its high hydrophilicity, non-immunogenicity, chemical flexibility, non-toxicity, and biodegradability. Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide, demanding new and practical therapeutic approaches. This review aims to explore recent advancements in HA-based biomaterials for cancer therapy and their potential in targeted drug delivery.</p> Methods <p>The review compiles and analyzes recent studies on HA sourced from various origins, including microbial, umbilical cord, and animal-based sources. It also examines technological developments that enable the controlled microbial production of HA through the regulation of temperature, agitation, and aeration. Furthermore, the review discusses the design and application of HA-based drug delivery systems, including hydrogels, liposomes, nanoparticles, and micelles, used for targeted cancer therapy.</p> Results <p>Study indicates that microbial production of HA offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional extraction methods. HA demonstrates strong targeting potential because several tumor cells overexpress HA receptors, while normal cells show minimal expression. HA-based nanoplatforms improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of anticancer drugs in biological environments, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy.</p> Conclusion <p>HA represents a promising biomaterial for the development of advanced cancer therapies. Its ability to target tumour-specific receptors and enhance drug delivery efficiency makes it a valuable component in the formulation of next-generation anticancer nanomedicines. Continued research and innovation in HA-based biomaterials are expected further to improve the effectiveness and precision of cancer treatment.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>