Emerging tin-based engineering for tumor treatment: Current advances and forward opportunities

Nanomaterials have become promising tools in cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties and wide range of applications. Among various nanomaterials, tin-based nanomaterials have attracted much attention for their potential in treating malignant tumors. The presence of multivalent ions gives tin-based nanomaterials multiple enzymatic activities. Attributed to the quantum-confinement effect, tin-based nanomaterials have a strong light-absorption ability and can efficiently convert light energy into heat energy. The low bandgap value enables the tin-based nanomaterials to realize the separation of electron-hole pairs and mediate the enzymatic therapy under the excitation of near-infrared laser and ultrasound. On the basis of this, tin-based nanoparticles mediate the process of anti-tumor immune response by inducing immunogenic cell death in tumor cells. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of tin-based nanomaterials with the morphology of nanoparticles, nanorods, lamellae, mesoporous nanoparticles, and tin-based composite nanomaterials for cancer therapy. The effectiveness, safety, and limitations of these nanomaterials are discussed based on the reported studies. In addition, this review discusses the challenges and prospects for the further development and clinical translation of tin-based nanomaterials in the treatment of malignant tumors. In conclusion, this review aims to deepen our understanding of the important role of tin-based nanomaterials in oncology and provide guidance for future research in this field.