Near infrared-triggered synergetic cancer therapy using multifunctional nanotheranostics

Cancer therapy relying on a single therapeutic strategy generally remains suboptimal because each therapeutic approach has its own advantages and limitations. There is almost no doubt that future cancer therapies are very likely to rely on combinations of different treatment approaches, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, PDT, and photothermal therapy (PTT). In this review, we discuss the most significant progress made in the past 5 years in the field of near infrared (NIR)-responsive nanotheranostics for synergetic cancer therapy. The nanoplatforms discussed include mesoporous silica nanoparticles, upconversion nanoparticles, Au-related nanomaterials, Fe₃O₄-related systems, and carbon-related materials.