Near-Infrared Theranostics: Cutting-Edge Innovations in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Theranostics integrating diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy represent a significant advancement in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Near-infrared (NIR) imaging, utilizing NIR-I (700-900 nm) and NIR-II (1000-1700 nm) windows, enhances tissue penetration, reduces autofluorescence, and improves resolution over visible light.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of NIR-related diagnosis and treatment modalities in oncology.
• To synthesize data on optical window properties, mechanisms, nanomaterial platforms, cancer types, and clinical outcomes of NIR theranostics.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library.
• Included studies were randomized controlled trials, preclinical/clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses focusing on NIR oncology applications.
• Data synthesis concentrated on NIR optical windows, action mechanisms, nanomaterials, treated cancers, and clinical results.

Main Results:

• NIR theranostic probes (e.g., GBNPs, carbon nanotubes, conjugated polymers) enhance photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) therapy efficacy through good photothermal (PTA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
• NIR photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) promotes immunogenic cell death (ICD) and boosts CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses.
• NIR-II probes facilitate deeper tissue penetration and high tumor-to-background contrast imaging, with clinical trials showing improved intraoperative guidance, tumor detection, and treatment outcomes in various cancers.

Conclusions:

• Integrating NIR imaging into nanoplatforms enables image-guided interventions, improving accuracy and minimizing toxicity.
• Future research should focus on biocompatible, degradable/activatable NIR-II probes and AI-guided multimodal systems for personalized cancer therapy.
• Challenges in regulatory approval, probe biocompatibility, and clinical scalability must be addressed for widespread adoption.