Recent advances in phototherapy-based nanomedicine of lymphoma

Lymphoma comprises a heterogeneous group of hematologic malignancies with varying prognoses and treatment responses. Conventional therapies including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy have improved patient outcomes. However, challenges such as relapse, treatment resistance, and systemic toxicity remain significant concerns. Phototherapy, including photodynamic and photothermal therapies, has emerged as a promising alternative owing to its minimally invasive nature, tumor-specific activation, and potential to enhance antitumor immunity. Photo-activated agents and thermal effects of phototherapy induce tumor cell death while stimulating antitumor immune responses. Recent advances in nanomedicine have further improved the efficacy of phototherapy by enabling targeted drug delivery, controlled photosensitizer release, and enhanced tumor penetration. Despite these advances, limitations such as optimizing light penetration, improving selectivity, and integrating phototherapy into existing treatment regimens require further exploration. This review summarizes recent progress in phototherapy for lymphoma, highlights key preclinical findings, discusses current limitations, and outlines future directions for clinical translation.