The effectiveness of cancer chemotherapyCancer chemotherapy is often hindered by non-specific drug distribution, systemic toxicity, and poor drug retention at the tumor site, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. To address these challenges, advanced drug delivery systemsDrug delivery systems are necessary. Cellulose nanocrystalsCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), due to their unique physicochemical properties such as high surface area, mechanical strengthMechanical strength, and biocompatibilityBiocompatibility, have emerged as a promising component in the development of hydrogelsHydrogels for cancer therapy. This minireview provides a comprehensive overview of the properties, and applications of CNC-infused hydrogelsHydrogels in cancer chemotherapyCancer chemotherapy. The focus is on how these hydrogelsHydrogels can enhance drug loading, provide controlled and sustained drug release, and improve tumor-targeted delivery. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges associated with CNC-infused hydrogelsHydrogels and explores future perspectives in this rapidly evolving field. By leveraging the properties of CNCs, these hydrogelsHydrogels have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, offering more effective and less toxic therapeutic options.