Oral delivery of aptamer-decorated SICTERS Raman probes for colonoscopy-guided resection and photothermal immunization of microtumors

Endoscopic resection of colon cancer represents an advanced technique in early intervention, but faces the challenges in identifying tumor margins and removing residual lesions. Here, we developed orally administered Raman probes (i.e., BBT-Apt@CS NPs) that enable precise tumor imaging and photothermal ablation. Protected by an enteric coating for colon-targeted release, the inner nanoparticles use a stacking-induced charge transfer–enhanced Raman scattering (SICTERS) mechanism and are functionalized with tumor-targeting aptamers. In a proof-of-concept study using the endoscopic optical fiber, we achieved in situ precise detection of microtumors and effective photothermal ablation of residual lesions at the resection margins, with simultaneous induction of immune memory. In a rechallenge model, mice treated with photothermal therapy on residual lesions exhibited no tumor recurrence. We have optimized endoscopic resection strategies through theranostic Raman probes, thus providing an innovative solution for the minimally invasive precision intervention in colorectal cancer.