Novel insights and future perspectives on the nanomedicine-mediated synergistic anticancer effect of the combination of ferroptosis and photothermal therapy

Abstract

The limitations of existing monotherapies underscore the necessity of exploring innovative synergistic anticancer interventions. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, is increasingly recognized for its pivotal role in tumor biology and therapeutic strategies. Photothermal therapy (PTT) utilizes near-infrared (NIR) light to induce tumor ablation through heat generation and is a burgeoning area in cancer treatment. Ferroptosis induction generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) to enhance the efficacy of mild-temperature PTT. In contrast, photothermal effects can accelerate the rate of the Fenton reaction. Utilizing nanoplatforms such as polymers, metal-phenolic networks (MPNs), hollow mesoporous Prussian blue (HMPB), biocompatible materials, metal-based materials, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can effectively modulate the synergistic effects of ferroptosis and PTT. This review delved into the most recent progress regarding the synergistic interactions between collaborative mechanisms involved in ferroptosis and PTT, as well as the potential integration of these strategies with other treatment modalities. Finally, we have offered insights into the perspectives and challenges associated with the clinical translation of this innovative and promising emerging paradigm.