Advances in nanotechnology for cancer biomarkers

•Nanoparticle-assisted early detection of cancer biomarkers is summarized.•Nanoparticle conjugation methods and biomolecule targeting strategies are discussed.•Investigation of recent developments in cancer biomarker nanosensing strategies.•Nanotechnology in mass spectrometry, optical, electrical and electrochemical assays.•Nanotechnology as a tool to enhance biomarker detection sensitivity and specificity.