Inorganic Nanomaterials for Photothermal-Based Cancer Theranostics

Inorganic photothermal agents (PTAs) have attracted considerable attention in cancer theranostics due to their unique features such as high photothermal conversion efficacy, excellent photothermal stability, and straightforward functionalization. The first part of this Review summarizes progress in methods for synthesizing PTAs, then considers in vitro photothermal evaluations, as well as in vivo photothermal-based applications that attempt to overcome different barriers in cancer theranostics. Next, a clinical trial with an inorganic PTA is described. The final part of the Review examines the challenges and possibilities for successful transfer of inorganic PTAs from the laboratory to the clinic.

Automated summary

This review article first summarizes the methods for synthesizing inorganic photothermal agents and their in vitro and in vivo evaluations, followed by a description of a clinical trial using an inorganic PTA. The final part of the review examines the challenges and possibilities for successful translation of inorganic PTAs from the laboratory to the clinic.