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Updated: Sep 2, 2025
Computed Tomography-guided Time-domain Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography in Small Animals for Localization of Cancer Biomarkers
Published on: July 17, 2012
Phototheranostics for multifunctional treatment of cancer with fluorescence imaging
Xiaoran Yin1, Yifan Cheng2, Yan Feng2
1Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China; Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Phototheranostics stem from the recent advances in nanomedicines and bioimaging to diagnose and treat human diseases. Since tumors' diversity, heterogeneity, and instability limit the clinical application of traditional diagnostics and therapeutics, phototheranostics, which combine light-induced therapeutic and diagnostic modalities in a single platform, have been widely investigated. Numerous efforts have been made to develop phototheranostics for efficient light-induced antitumor therapeutics with minimal side effects. Herein, we review the fundamentals of phototheranostic nanomedicines with their biomedical applications. Furthermore, the progress of near-infrared fluorescence imaging and cancer treatments, including photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, along with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy, are summarized. This review also discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with the clinical translation of phototheranostics in pan-cancer research. Phototheranostics can pave the way for future research, improve the quality of life, and prolong cancer patients' survival times.
Insights
Phototheranostics combine nanomedicine and bioimaging for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review explores their potential to overcome tumor diversity and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tumor heterogeneity challenges traditional diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Phototheranostics integrate diagnostic and therapeutic functions using light-induced modalities.
- Nanomedicine advances enable novel phototheranostic platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamentals of phototheranostic nanomedicines.
- To summarize advancements in near-infrared fluorescence imaging and cancer therapies.
- To discuss the clinical translation of phototheranostics in pan-cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on phototheranostic nanomedicines.
- Summary of near-infrared fluorescence imaging techniques.
- Compilation of data on photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy.
Main Results:
- Phototheranostics offer a promising approach to overcome tumor diversity and instability.
- Integration of imaging and therapy enhances diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy.
- Combined therapies show potential for synergistic antitumor effects.
Conclusions:
- Phototheranostics represent a significant advancement in personalized cancer care.
- Further research and clinical translation are crucial for realizing their full potential.
- Phototheranostics may improve quality of life and survival rates for cancer patients.
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