Gold-based nanoparticles are utilized for cancer therapeutics as a system for drug delivery, or as a mediator for thermal therapy, whether ablation or hyperthermia. This review discusses how the design of the physicochemical properties of the different types of gold-based nanoparticles affects their treatment efficacy. The basic principles and mechanism at which it mediates heating and delivers drugs efficiently in vivo is also summarized. We will also review the in vivo preclinical data on the biodistribution, intratumoral distribution, cell internalization, and its associated toxicity. Lastly, an updated list of the clinical trials based on nanoparticles and future perspectives are provided.