Magnetic ferrofluids (magnetic nanofluids) have received special attention due to their various biomedical applications such as drug delivery and hyperthermia treatment for cancer. The biological applications impose some special requirements. For example, the well-known iron oxide ferrofluids become undesirable because their iron atoms are poorly distinguishable from those of hemoglobin. A conceivable solution is to use mixed-ferrites (MFe2O4 where M=Co, Mn, Ni, Zn) to have a range of magnetic properties. These ferrites have attracted special attention because they save time, and because of their low inherent toxicity, ease of synthesis, physical and chemical stabilities and suitable magnetic properties. Based on the importance of ferrite particles in ferrofluids for hyperthermia treatment, this paper gives a summary on the physical concepts of ferrofluids, hyperthermia principal, magnetic properties and synthesis methods of nanosized ferrites. ► This paper gives a suitable summary and literature survey on the ferrofluids. ► Ferrofluids have an important role in biomedicine and our life. ► Ferrofluids include a magnetic core, surfactant and a liquid medium. ► Nano-ferrites' cores are good candidates for hyperthermia purposes. ► They present a suitable heat generation for hyperthermia.