Abstract: Coupled magnetic nanoparticles in the microcapsule structure, such as magnetic microcapsules, can be delivered in specific organism or tissues under magnetic field exposure. Thus, the microcapsules can achieve active targeting functions by manipulating the magnetic field. Based on the magnetic microcapsules, the antitumor drugs can also be loaded to realize magnetic response, which gives microcapsules sustained and controlled release advantages. To date, the drug microcapsules carrying magnetic nanoparticles have become promising novel delivery carriers for the treatment of tumor diseases. This paper mainly reviews the method of preparation of the magnetic nanoparticle-coupled microcapsules, including liposomes, polyelectrolyte microcapsules, and polymer microspheres. The basic research progress of these microcapsules as anticancer drug carriers for the tumor therapy was also reviewed.