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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Inducing Targeted Mild Hyperthermia in Murine Tumor Models through Photothermal Conversion of Near-infrared Light by Intratumoral Gold Nanorods
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Charge-Reversal Near-Infrared II Polymeric Amphiphiles Enable Efficient Combinatorial Gene and Mild Photothermal

Fang Tang1, Xiaoyu Zhang2, Zhenqi Liu1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (LoFE) & Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.

ACS Nano
|February 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A novel polymer system combines gene therapy with mild photothermal therapy (mPTT) for osteosarcoma (OS). This advanced GT-mPTT approach enhances antitumor efficacy and biosafety, offering a promising new direction for OS treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Oncology
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive bone cancer with limited treatment options.
  • Current gene therapy and mild photothermal therapy (mPTT) combinations (GT-mPTT) show promise but face challenges in efficacy and safety.
  • There is a need for improved therapeutic strategies to combat OS progression and treatment resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymeric amphiphile for imaging-guided combinational GT-mPTT therapy against OS.
  • To enhance therapeutic response, efficiency, and biosafety in OS treatment.
  • To create a platform for precision therapy with integrated imaging and treatment capabilities.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesized a ROS-responsive polymer incorporating guanidine for gene condensation and NIR-II dyes for photothermal conversion.
  • Utilized charge reversal under ROS for controlled gene release and NIR-II irradiation for mild hyperthermia.
  • Employed dual NIR-II fluorescence and photothermal imaging for therapy guidance.
  • Evaluated GT-mPTT efficacy in vitro and in vivo using OS-bearing mouse models.

Main Results:

  • The developed polymer system demonstrated effective gene delivery and controlled mild hyperthermia.
  • GT-mPTT therapy significantly enhanced antitumor activity, including increased apoptosis and tumor reduction.
  • The treatment successfully mitigated osteolysis in OS mouse models with excellent biosafety and minimal systemic toxicity.
  • Dual-modal imaging guided the combination therapy, improving precision and outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The ROS-responsive polymeric platform offers a promising strategy for advanced GT-mPTT in osteosarcoma.
  • Integrated imaging and therapeutic functionalities enable precision medicine approaches for OS.
  • This work lays the foundation for developing robust and safe multimodal therapies for challenging cancers like OS.
Keywords:
cancergene therapynear-infrared IIosteosarcomaphotothermal therapy

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