Functional hollow nanostructures for imaging and phototherapy of tumors

Hollow nanostructured materials, due to their unique hollow structures, large surface area, low density, and high loading capacity, have shown potential in revolutionizing the future of nanomedicine and biotechnology. In this review, we aim to provide an updated summary of the research related to hollow nanostructures for the imaging-guided phototherapy of cancer. After a brief introduction to the three major synthetic strategies of hollow nanostructures, including hard templating, soft templating, and self-templating synthesis, we discuss the various types of inorganic and organic phototherapeutic hollow nanostructures developed for imaging and tumor phototherapy treatment. We then present the hollow nanostructures used for phototherapy combined with chemo- or radiation-therapy. Finally, we provide the future prospects and challenges in this rapidly growing field.