Background <p>Cancer is one of the leading causes of global mortality. To reduce treatment costs, improve quality of life and increase survival outcomes for an individual, early detection of cancer is crucial. Advances in nanobiosensors offer point-of-care detection with high specificity and sensitivity for biomarkers associated with tumour detection. Such biosensors also support personalised approaches to cancer treatment. Some nanosensors might be developed as theranostics, where they deliver therapeutic molecules or aid in therapy via mechanisms like photothermal ablation, sonodynamic therapy or precise targeting of therapeutic molecule to the tumor site. A comprehensive review is presented where the latest advances in nanoparticle based sensors are discusses.</p> Aim <p>To examine emerging nanotechnology-driven biosensing approaches for cancer detection, a comprehensive review that encompass the detailed modus operandi and advantages and disadvantages and advancements in Nanoparticle-based biosensors, Paramagnetic nanoparticle-based biosensor, Quantum dots, Nano-shells-based biosensor, Gold nanoparticle-based biosensor, Nanowire-based biosensors, Nanorods, Carbon Nanotube Based Biosensors, Nanocantilever-based based biosensor, Nanocomposite based biosensors, NanoVelcro based biosensors, Nanozymes, and Amperometric Sensor is presented.</p> Method <p>This review is based on a comprehensive analysis of published literature related to advanced nanomaterial-based biosensors for cancer diagnosis. Relevant research articles related to cancer detection, review papers, and reports were collected from scientific databases such as NCBI, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Keywords including nanobiosensors, nanocomposites, nanocantilevers, nanowires, carbon-nanotubes, cancer biomarkers, nanoparticles, aptamer-based sensors, nanomaterials, and nano-shells, were used to access literature. Articles which are published mainly within the last few years were prioritized to highlight recent advancements. Applications of various biosensors in detecting different cancer types also has been given. Only articles those are peer reviewed and published in English literature have been included.</p> Result <p>Studies based on nanomaterials show that there is significant improvement in cancer detection. Additionally, the technology also enables early diagnosis, accurate imaging with the help of biomarkers, and targeted drug delivery. However, issues such as biocompatibility, clinical testing at a large scale, potential toxicity, and challenges related to its regulation remain some of its key limitations.</p> Conclusion <p>Nanotechnology has significantly improved early cancer diagnosis via using highly sensitive and specific nanobiosensors. Despite challenges related to safety, cost, and clinical translation, continued research is essential to realize its full potential in cancer diagnostics and management.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>