2026 | Volume 1 | Issue 1

Biomedical Sciences | Review

Advances in Nanoparticle-Based Phototherapy: A precision medicine perspective

Nanoparticle-based phototherapy is a novel precision medicine strategy that combines nanotechnology with light-directed therapeutic modalities to deliver highly targeted, minimally invasive treatment. The most popular approaches are photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, which cause cellular damage by generating reactive oxygen species and inducing hyperthermia (heat) at the treatment site, respectively. The incorporation of nanoparticles significantly enhances all these processes, including light absorption, stability, biodistribution, and site-specific delivery. At the molecular and cellular levels, photoactivation of nanoparticles triggers a series of biological events, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, autophagy, and immunogenic cell death, which enable both tumor ablation and systemic immune activation. Therapeutic efficacy has also been improved by adding near-infrared (NIR-II) light, and recent advances in nanomaterial design, including MXenes, metal–organic frameworks, and upconversion nanoparticles, have further enhanced it. Besides, stimuli-responsive and theranostic nanoplatforms have been designed to enable adaptive therapy and real-time monitoring, paving the way for personalized medicines. Despite these advances, challenges such as nanoparticle toxicity, tumor heterogeneity, limited light penetration, and poor scalability for clinical translation remain. The review discusses in detail the molecular mechanisms of nanoparticle-based phototherapy technologies, as well as the latest developments and challenges encountered in their clinical application. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of Nanoparticle-based phototherapy as a capable platform for precision medicine applications in oncology and beyond.