Review of Functionalized Nanomaterials for Photothermal Therapy of Cancers

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is recognized as a promising approach for cancer theranostics via the nonradiative conversion of light into heat energy. PTT treatment is able to reduce the adverse side effects of traditional chemotherapy. Some nanomaterials functionalized with unique physical and chemical properties have been integrated with multiple imaging modalities and a therapeutic function for applications. In the past decade, various nanomaterials for PTT applications have been reviewed, but a comprehensive survey of all classes of photothermal nanomaterials developed in recent years has not been done. A comprehensive discussion of PTT mechanisms using different nanomaterials and their application in combination therapy is useful for providing insights for PTT material development for disease treatment in the future. In this review, the recent advancement of functionalized nanomaterials for PTT and the excellence of PTT combined therapies in the field of anticancer are discussed. The momentous property of nanomaterials tailored for advancing the noninvasive therapeutic approach of PTT is also highlighted. Because a great deal of PTT nanomaterials have been developed in the past decades and reviewed in recent years, in this review, we only include the latest results reported in the past 5 years for discussion and comparison.