Nanotechnology encompasses the creation and use of materials, devices, and systems at the level of atoms, molecules, and supramolecular structures. Nanotechnology for cancer consists of three main areas: (1) nanodetectors for sensing proteins and cancer cells, (2) nanoparticle or nanovector formulations for high-contrast imaging, and (3) nanotechnology-based drug delivery and therapeutic formulations. Although there are tremendous challenges facing nanotechnologists, nanotechnology, if properly integrated with established cancer research, can make laboratory-to-clinic transfer of technology successful, which can result in breakthrough potential for patient care.