Light-Driven Photosensitive Materials Induce Lysosome Escape for Tumor Treatment

Lysosomes, as a key acidic organelle which was responsible for intracellular degradation and recycling, often intercept small-molecule drugs or nanoparticle drugs, limiting the therapeutic efficacy of cancer. To overcome this barrier, lysosomal rupture has emerged as a novel phototherapy strategy due to its noninvasive and spatiotemporally controllable nature. This review provides a comprehensive summary of photosensitive materials capable of modulating lysosomal membrane permeability upon light irradiation, focusing on two primary categories: nanomaterials and small molecules. These lysosome-targeting photosensitive materials can trigger multiple cell death pathways (apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis) by photodynamic or photothermal therapy, thereby enhancing drug escape and activating cell death cascades. The review aims to offer theoretical insights for optimizing tumor drug delivery efficiency and achieving precise lysosome-mediated tumor cell death.