Precise Synergistic Photothermal Therapy Guided by Accurate Temperature‐Dependent NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging

Abstract

AbstractPhotothermal therapy (PTT) is considered a promising treatment strategy for solid tumors. However, local hyperthermia (over 45°C) during PTT can cause severe side effects in neighboring healthy tissues. PTT with accurate temperature feedback is a compelling strategy to ablate tumors and reduce side effects, but it still faces challenges. Here, a new kind of phototheranostic nanoparticle, namely 17‐RF@Ag2Se is developed, enabling in vivo NIR‐II fluorescence tracking, PTT and fluorescence nanothermometry as well as synergistic heat‐shock protein (HSP) inhibition. Precise PTT with high spatiotemporal resolution is achieved with the help of the designed NIR‐II fluorescence imaging‐photothermal therapy linkage apparatus. Upon intravenous injection, 17‐RF@Ag2Se is specifically accumulated in tumors targeted by the overexpressed integrin αvβ3, which is monitored by NIR‐II fluorescence imaging of Ag2Se QDs. Further, the release of HSP inhibitor, tanespimycin (17‐AAG), enhances the thermosensitivity of tumor cells. Subsequently, the internal temperature of the tumor is precisely monitored and adjusted during PTT via the temperature‐dependent NIR‐II fluorescence feedback of Ag2Se QDs and the linkage apparatus calibration, thereby achieving efficient and safe tumor PTT. Also, the results present a new method for accurate temperature monitoring and control in vivo, which can be applied to other biomedical studies.