Increasing Cancer Therapy Efficiency through Targeting and Localized Light Activation

Currently, the potential of cancer therapy is compromised by a variety of problems related to tumor specificity, drug access, and limited efficacy. We report a novel approach to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment utilizing a light-responsive nanoconstruct. Effectiveness is increased by enhancing drug absorption through heating and the production of free radicals. Treatment specificity is increased through chemical targeting of the nanoconstruct and localization of light delivery to the tumor. When reaching the tumor, magnetic resonance imaging is enhanced and near-infrared fluorescence is activated upon drug release, making it possible to visualize the localized treatment at both the tissue and cellular levels. This dual-modality imaging nanoconstruct enables the synergistic treatment and observable evaluation of solid tumors with dramatically improved efficacy, giving rise to a promising new approach for cancer therapy and evaluation.