<p>Natural enzymes are a class of biological catalysts that can catalyze a specific substrate. Although natural enzymes have catalytic activity, they are susceptible to the influence of external environment such as temperature, and storage requirements&#xa0;are more stringent. Since the first discovery of magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity in 2007, the research on nanoenzymes has entered a rapid development stage. Nanoenzymes synthesized by chemical methods not only have the catalytic activity of natural enzymes but also are more stable, easy to store, and convenient to prepare. Anthracyclines, as a commonly used anti-tumor chemotherapy drug, will produce many side effects such as myelosuppression and liver function damage after long-term use, which will affect its therapeutic effects. This paper reviews the characteristics, classification, and mechanisms of nanoenzymes. The detection of anti-tumor drugs, especially anthracycline drugs, using a nanoenzyme-based sensor was emphatically introduced. On this basis, the application of nanoenzyme-based sensors in the detection of anti-tumor drugs is&#xa0; prospected.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>