Multi-Energy Integrated Photocatalysis for Antitumor Therapy

Photocatalysis has been recognized as a promising approach in cancer theranostics over the past years. To enhance therapeutic outcomes and overcome current limitations, significant attention has been directed toward the development of multi-energy integrated photocatalytic systems, particularly piezo-photocatalysts and photothermal-photocatalysts. Piezo-photocatalysis combines the piezoelectric effect with photocatalysis, offering superior efficiency, targeted action, and improved safety compared to traditional photocatalytic methods. By harnessing both mechanical and optical stimuli, this approach enables more precise and effective cancer therapies. On the other hand, photothermal-photocatalysis integrates heat induced by light with photocatalytic reactions, accelerating reaction rates and promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species. The synergistic interaction of heat and photocatalysis enhances tumor cell apoptosis more effectively than either modality alone. This review provides a systemic overview of the emerging multi-energy integrated photocatalytic strategies for cancer treatment. It begins with an exploration of the principles of piezo-photocatalysis and its potential to improve cancer therapies such as piezoelectric-enhanced single-modal photodynamic therapy (PDT), dual-modal sono-photodynamic therapy, and triple-modal hydrodynamic therapy/gas therapy (GT)/chemotherapy. Next, we delve into photothermal-photocatalysis and examine how its integration with additional treatment modalities, such as dual-modal photothermal/photocatalytic therapy (PTT/PCT) and PTT/PDT, can enhance therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, we discuss more complex multi-modal treatments, including triple-modal PTT/PCT/chemotherapy, PTT/PCT/chemodynamic therapy (CDT), PTT/PCT/GT, PTT/PCT/immunotherapy (IT) and tetra-modal PTT/PCT/CDT/chemotherapy, PTT/PCT/CDT/ferroptosis therapy (FT), PTT/PCT/FT/IT, and PTT/PCT/GT/IT. Finally, we address the challenges and future directions in advancing these novel therapeutic paradigms. This review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for future research dedicated to advancing innovative multi-energy integrated photocatalytic systems in the field of cancer nanotheranostics.